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CHARLES  B.  ALEXANDER, 


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PRINCETON  •  NEW  JERSEY 


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PRESENTED  BY 


Mrs.    Winthro-o  W.   Aldrich 


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TO  A 


YOUNG    COMMUNICANT. 


BY 


JAMES  w.  Alexander,  d.d. 


NEW  YORK: 
ANSON  D.  F.  RANDOLPH  &  COMPANY, 

900  BROADWAY,  COR.  20th  STREET. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  Year  1854, 

BY  ANSON  D.  P.  RANDOLPH, 

m  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States, 
for  the  Southeran  District  of  New-Tork. 


P  R  E  F  A  C  E, 


This  little  hook  has  its  origin  in  a  desire  to  fur- 
nish candidates  for  church-communion^  and  young 
disciples  who  have  already  taken  the  first  step,  with 
advices  somewhat  more  full  than  can,  in  ordinary 
eases,  be  given  orally  to  individuals  by  their  pastor. 
It  is  not  a  treatise  on  the  Lord^s  Supper,  and  is  not 
intended  to  rival  or  supersede  larger  works  on  this 
iubJecL  Among  these,  the  preference  may  safely' 
be  given  to  the  Communicant^ s  Companion,  by  the 
Rev.  Matthew  Henry. 

TJie  latter  portion  of  this  manual  is  taken  up 
with  a  series  of  brief  counsels,  not  limited  to  the 
sacrament,  but  concerning  the  whole  beginnings  of 
a  Christian  walk.  The  performance,  small  and 
'plain  as  it  is,  may  be  found  useful  to  simple- 
minded  professors  of  some  standing  in  the  Church, 
especially  such  as  have  been  destitute  of  careful 
instruction* 


IV  PKEFACE 

The  mode  of  direct  address  which  ^at  6een  em- 
ployed may  seem  curt  and  magisterial ;  the  writer 
has,  however,  adopted  it  advisedly,  as  securing  three 
great  qualities  in  a  compendium,  to  wit,  clearness, 
brevity,  and  point.  Tlie  passages  of  Scripture 
which  are  cited  in  the  margin  have  been  gathered 
with  some  care  ;  the  young  reader  will  be  a  gainer 
by  seeking  them  out,  and  even  by  committing  them 
to  memory. 

After  these  explanations,  the  effort  is  humbly 
dedicated  to  God,  with  an  earnest  prayer  that  it 
may  be  made  a  blessing  to  the  young  and  if/norant. 


CONTENTS. 


L  TLe  Design    ..... 

.      9 

JX  Profession  of  Faith    . 

10 

TIT.  On  whom  Obligatory  ?    . 

.     11 

FT".  Duty  arising  from  Baptism 

12 

Y.  Nature  of  the  Sacrament 

.     13 

YI.  The  Doctrine  of  the  Sacrament . 

16 

YII.  Benefits  to  be  Expected 

.     16 

Till.  Admission  to  full  Communion    . 

It 

IX.  Improper  Motives  .... 

.     19 

X.  Why  Should  I  Partake?    . 

19 

XI.  Causes  of  Fear 

.     20 

XIL  Warning  ...                 •        . 

22 

XIII.  May  Doubting  Souls  Come  ?  . 

23 

XIY.  Insufficient  Reasons  for  Dehy    . 

24 

XY.  Imperfect  Yiews  of  the  Ordinance . 

.     26 

XYI.  Encouragements         .        .        .        . 

27 

XYII.  Need  of  Self-Knowledge 

.     28 

XYIII.  Self-Examination        .         .         .         . 

29 

XIX    Questions  before  the  Communion    . 

.     30 

XX.  Difficulty  of  the  Work 

36 

XXI.  Solemnity  of  the  Juncture 

.     38 

XXII.  Undue  Fears 

39 

XXIII.  Preparation 

.    40 

XXTY.  Church-Preparation    .                .        • 

42 

XXV.  First  Communion            ... 

43 

XXYI.  Simple  Yiews    .... 

44 

VI 


CONTENTS. 


pAoa 

XXVII.  Pielimmary  Services       ,        .        i  45 

XXVIII.  Feelings  Suited  to  the  Ordinance  4:7 

XXIX  Christ  Present         ...  49 

XXX  The  Administration    ....  50 

XXXI.  The  Act  of  Partaking      ...  51 

XXXII.  Thoughts  of  Self  and  Sin  .        .        .  53 

XXXIIL  Thoughts  of  Christ          ...  54 

XXXIV.  Thoughts  of  Brethren          ...  55 

XXXV.  Cautions  after  Communion      .        .  56 

XXXVI.  Disappointed  Hopes   ....  57 

XXXVII.  Thankful  Review 59 

XXXVIII.  General  Retrospect      ,        .        i        .  60 
XXXIX.  Going  down  to  the  Worid       ...     61 

XL.  Courage 62 

XLI.  Interval  between  Communions        ,  ,63 

XLII.  Benefit  of  Frequent  Communion         .  64 

XLI II.  Subsequent  Communions         .        .  .65 

XLIV.  Review  of  Numerous  Sacraments        .  6ff 

XLV.  Reasons  why  some  refrain  from  Partaking    6T 

XLVL  Seek  the  Sacramental  Edification  of  Others    70 

XLVII.  The  Career  before  You    .    •    .  .71 

XLVIIL  Importance  of  Beginning  Aright         .  73 

XLIX.  The  Post  of  the  Young  Christian     .  .     7i 

L.  Blessedness  of  Youthful  Profession     .  75 

LI.  Principle  of  the  Christian  "Walk  .     76 

LIL  Means  of  Self-Culture         ...  77 

LIIL  Doctrinal  Instruction       .        .  .79 

LIV.  Meditation          ....  80 

LV.  Prayer .81 

LVI.  DaUy  Walk 83 

LVIL  The  Lord's  Day       ...  84 

LVIIL  Outward  Conduct       .        .  86 


CONTENTS, 

VU 

Page 

MX   The  Family       .... 

.     86 

LX  Pashion  and  Amusement      . 

87 

LXL  Diligence          .         .        .        » 

89 

LXII.  Humility      .         . 

90 

LXIII.  Duties  to  the  Church 

.     91 

LXIV.  Brotherly  Love    . 

92 

LXV.  Christian  Acquaintance    . 

.     93 

LXVI.  Intimate  Friends  . 

94 

LXYIL  Active  Fellowship 

.     95 

LXVIII.  Aid  to  the  Gospel 

95 

LXIX.  Attendance  on  "Worship    . 

.     96 

LXX.  Weekly  Meetings 

98 

LXXL  Love  of  Souls  .... 

.     99 

LXXIL  Sunday-Schools    . 

100 

LXXIII.  Charities 

.  101 

LXXIY.  Edification  of  Brethren 

10? 

LXXV.  Scandals 

.  10? 

LXXVT.  Peace-Makmg       . 

104 

LXX VII.  Reproof 

.  lOf 

LXXVIII.  Duties  to  the  World      . 

10(» 

LXXIX.  Modesty  in  Labours  . 

.  10» 

LXXX.  Seeking  Opportunities  . 

.        10» 

LXXXL  The  Spread  of  the  Truth  . 

.  109 

LXXXIL  Liberality     .... 

.       110 

LXXXIII.  Systematic  Beneficence     . 

.  110 

LXXXIV.  Personal  Beneficenco    . 

.        Ill 

LXXXV.  Coaolusiou 

.  112 

THE 

YODNG    COMMUNICANT. 


■•♦»■ 


I. 

You  have  now  taken  the  first  solemn  step 
which  is  to  separate  you  from,  the  world. 
You  have  avowed  your  purpose  to  follow 
Christ,  and  have  begun  to  entertain  the  ques- 
tion, whether  you  shall  not  enroll  yourself 
among  his  people.  In  these  circumstances, 
if  rightly  affected,  you  are  conscious  of  an 
unusual  solicitude,  a  tender  fear  of  doing 
wrong,  and  an  earnest  desire  to  be  instructed. 
It  is  to  furnish  you  with  some  plain  direc- 
tions, as  to  the  professing  of  religion  and  ita 
consequent  obligations,  that  the  following 
paragraphs  are  offered  to  your  devout  con- 
eideration. 


10  THE  YOUNG   COMMUNICANT. 

n. 

The  profession  of  religion,  though,  com- 
monly associated  with  a  first  partaki-iig  of 
the  Lord's  Supper,  is  distinguishable  from  it. 
In  cases  where  the  subject  comes  from  be- 
yond the  pale  of  the  Church,  he  is  bap- 
tized ;  and  the  profession  of  his  new  faith 
connects  itself  with  his  baptism.  And  we 
may  conceive  of  cases,  for  instance  on  a 
dying  bed,  where  the  administration  of  the 
Lord's  Supper  may  be  impossible,  but  where 
there  is  still  an  avowal  of  attachment  to 
Christ.  But  since  for  the  most  part  in 
Christian  lands,  those  who  become  subjects 
of  saving  experience  are  such  as  have  been 
already  baptized,  the  first  open  acknowledg- 
ment of  religious  obligations  is  their  ap- 
proach to  the  Lord's  Table.  Hence  this  is 
commonly  spoken  of  as  their  profession  of 
faith,  or,  less  correctly,  as  joining  the  Church. 


ON   WHOM  OBLIGATORY?  11 

m. 

The  <iiitj  of  confessing  Christ  before  men 
is  incumbent  on  every  one  who  hears  the 
Gospel.  It  is  spoken  of  in  Scripture  in 
immediate  connection  with  saving  faith. 
**  If  thou  shalt  confess  with  thj  mouth  the 
Lord  Jesus,  and  shalt  believe  in  thine  heart 
tha^  G-od  hath  raised  him  from  the  dead,  thou 
sb^ll;  be  saved."*  In  like  manner,  the  duty 
of  commemorating  the  death  of  Christ  at  his 
table  is  binding  on  all  who  have  been  made 
acquainted  with  his  gracious  work.  Impeni- 
tence and  unbfelief,  while  they  disqualify  for 
right  performance,  afford  no  excuse  for  ne- 
glect. It  is  the  sin  and  not  the  apology  of 
the  sinner,  that  he  has  no  faith  to  profess 
and  no  love  to  testify. 

*  Rom.  10  :  0. 


12  THE  YOUNG  COMMUNIOAJ^. 

IV. 

All  baptized  persons  are  members  of  the 
Church.  Their  duty,  therefore,  to  acknow- 
ledge Christ  before  the  world  rests  on  yet 
clearer  grounds.  It  is  true,  we  do  not 
ascribe  a  regenerating  grace  to  their  bap- 
tism ;  but  we  must  not  go  to  the  other  ex- 
treme of  making  this  precious  ordinance  a 
nullity.  Those  who  have  been  baptized 
stand  in  a  relation  to  the  Church  different 
from  that  of  the  world  at  large.  They  have 
been  designated  as  disciples  or  learners,  and, 
where  the  parental  obligations  have  been' 
discharged,  have  been  trained  in  religiou3 
knowledge.  Such  children  of  the  Church 
should  often  consider  the  privileges  and 
benefits  sealed  by  this  ordinance.  They 
should  be  humbled  for  their  sins,  and  for 
falling  short  of,  and  walking  contrary  to,  the 


NATUEE  OF  THE   SACRAMENT.  13 

grace  of  baptism  and  its  engagements.  They 
Bhoiild  feel  bound  to  the  faith  and  practice 
signified  by  their  symbolical  separation  from 
the  world.  Children  born  within  the  pale  of 
the  visible  Church,  and  dedicated  to  God  in 
baptism,  are  to  be  taught  to  read,  and  repeat 
the  Catechism,  the  Lord's  Prayer,  and  the 
Apostles'  Creed,  to  abhor  sin,  to  fear  God,  to 
pray,  and  to  obey  the  Lord  Jesus.  And  when 
they  arrive  at  years  of  discretion,  it  behooves 
every  one  of  them  to  consider  the  duty  of 
ratifying  the  vows  made  in  their  name,  by  a 
personal  avowal  of  allegiance  to  Christ.  The 
case  of  such  is  therefore  widely  different  from 
that  of  the  world  without. 


V. 

^ditm  0f  tilt  Smmtnl 

The  Lord's  Supper  was  instituted  by  our 

blessed  Saviour,  on  the  night  before  he  was 

betrayed ;  and  you  will  do  well  to  read  with 
2 


14  THE   YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

care  the  record  of  the  institution.*  It  is  a 
sacrament,  that  is,  a  holj  ordinance,  which 
signifies,  seals,  and  exhibits  to  such  as  are 
within  the  covenant  of  grace  the  benefits  of 
his  mediation.  There  is  an  outward  sign, 
and  there  is  also  a  spiritual  grace  signified. 
The  outward  sign  is  bread  and  wine,  given 
and  received,  according  to  Christ's  appoint- 
ment. The  inward  grace  is  the  communica- 
tion, by  the  Holy  Spirit,  according  to  his 
sovereign  pleasure,  of  such  faith,  comfort, 
and  spiritual  nourishment  as  agree  with  the 
reception  of  Christ  as  slain  for  our  sins.  This 
yisible  and  palpable  action  shows  forth  his 
death,  and  believers  engage  in  this,  as  obey- 
ing his  dying  injunction,  "  This  do  in  remem- 
brance of  me."f 

»  Matt  26  :  17-35.     Mark  14  :  12-26.    Luko  22    7-3a 
1  Got,  11    23-SJ4.  \  Luke  22  :  19. 


THE  DOCTRINE  OF  THE  SACRAMENT.      16 

VI 

The  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  ex- 
hibits, in  palpable  action,  a  great  doctrine, 
which  is  otherwise  conveyed  in  words.  Un- 
less you  apprehend  this,  you  must  fail  of 
deriving  spiritual  nourishment  by  feeding 
on  the  Lord's  body  and  blood.  This  doc- 
trine is  the  Atonement.  It  should  be 
graven  on  the  tablets  of  the  mind  and  hearfc. 
Deeply  ponder,  then,  on  the  truths  following: 
The  eternal  Son  of  God,  coequal  with  the 
Father,  did,  when  the  fulness  of  time  was 
come,  take  upon  him  our  human  nature,  with 
all  its  infirmities,  yet  without  sin.  The 
Word  was  made  flesh,  and  the  two  natures 
were  inseparably  joined  together  in  one 
Person,  who  is  Christ  the  Mediator.  The 
Lord  Jesus  was  made  under  the  law,  and 
perfectly  fulfilled  it,  obeying  the  precept  and 
exhausting  the  penalty.     In  his  humiliation 


16  THE  YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

he  suffered  most  grievous  auguisli  of  soul  and 
most  painful  agonies  of  body ;  lie  was  cruci- 
fied, died,  and  was  laid  in  tlie  tomb.  Bj  bis 
perfect  sacrifice  of  himself,  he  fully  satisfied 
Divine  justice,  and  purchased  reconciliation 
and  eternal  glory  for  all  those  whom  the 
Father  hath  given  him.  The  entire  benefits 
of  this  redemption  are  ofiered  to  you  in  the 
Gospel,  and  more  summarily  and  vividly  in 
this  sacrament,  and  your  title  to  them  be- 
comes sure  when  you  believe  on  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 

VII. 

You  are  therefore  called  to  this  memorial 
by  love  to  Christ,  and  a  consequent  desire 
to  obey  his  affecting  command.  If  you  find 
grace  to  partake  in  a  right  spirit,  you  will 
derive  special  benefits.  You  will,  in  the 
exercise  of  faith  upon  the  Kedeemer,  here 
strikingly  represented,  feed  upon  his  body 


ADMISSION  TO  FCJLL   COMMUNION-.        17 

and  blood,  not  in  any  gross  sense,  but  as 
receiving  and  applying  to  yourself  Christ 
crucified  and  all  the  benefits  of  his  death. 
This  sacrament  thus  becomes  one  of  the 
means  of  salvation,  not  from  any  power  in 
itself,  but  by  the  operation  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  and  the  blessing  of  Christ.  The  ap- 
proach which  you  contemplate  is,  then,  one 
of  the  most  solemn  acts  of  your  life,  and  ia 
not  to  be  attempted  without  much  reflection, 
inquiry,  and  prayer. 

VIII. 

Jitaissi^n  to  Ml  Commttm^n, 

As  the  Lord's  Supper  represents  the  great 

object  of  saving  faith,  it  is  impossible  for  one 

who  has  no  faith  to  partake  of  it  in  a  due  or 

acceptable    manner.     This   is   a   matter   for 

your  own  inquiry.     Christ's  ministers    and 

other  church-officers  cannot  read  the  heart. 

They  must  be  governed  by  evidences  from 
2* 


18  THE  YOUNG  COMMlNICAI^r. 

your  declarations  and  conduct.  Tliey  may 
judge  of  your  knowledge  and  life,  and  may 
credit  the  amount  of  your  inward  experience, 
but  they  cannot  pronounce  you  to  be  regen- 
erate ;  ana  by  admitting  you  to  sealing  ordi- 
nances, they  do  not  so  pronounce.  Their 
warrant  for  so  admitting  you,  is  not  the  cer- 
tainty of  3^our  conversion,  which  they  can- 
not know,  but  only  your  credible  profession 
of  faith  in  Christ.  Of  this  credibility  they 
must  judge  from  your  words  and  actions. 
And  you  should  be  solemnly  warned  against 
the  disastrous  error,  ot  taking  your  admission 
to  the  communion  as  any  part  of  the  evi 
dence  that  you  are  really  a  child  of  God. 
That  evidence  is  to  be  derived  from  a  careful 
comparison  of  heart  and  life  with  the  marks 
of  grace  laid  down  in  the  Scriptures. 


WHY  SHOULD  I  PARTAKE  ?  19 

IX. 

You  draw  near  to  this  sacrament  on 
false  grounds,  if  you  believe  tLat  it  is  sav- 
ing in  itself;  if  you  expect  beneiit  from 
mere  outward  participation ;  if  you  seek  to 
declare  yourself  better  tlian  others;  if  you 
would  gain  a  reputation  of  goodness  among 
men  ;  or  if  you  use  it  as  a  means  of  further 
ing  any  worldly  purpose. 

X. 

You  will  properly  ask  yourself  why  you 
propose  to  come  to  the  Lord's  Table.  If 
rightly  disposed,  your  answer,  to  be  suffi- 
cient,  must  be  something  like  this :  Because 
T  believe  in  the  Lord  Jesus,  because  I  love 
him,  and  because  I  wish  to  remember  Jiim  as 


20  THE  YOUNG   COMMUNICANT. 

mj  djing  Eedeeiner.  Not  because  I  am 
good,  but  in  tbe  deep  persuasion  tbat  I  am  a 
Binner.  As  a  sinner,  relying  on  his  righteous- 
ness, receiving  his  promise,  and  hoping  for 
his  Spirit,  I  desire  to  sit  at  the  foot  of  his 
cross.  As  ignorant  and  wavering,  I  crave 
new  faith,  in  this  holy  ordinance.  As  his 
child  and  servant,  I  long  to  come  out  from 
the  world,  and  make  the  most  public  avowal 
of  my  attachment  and  subjection  to  him. 
And  as  a  Christian,  I  would  hasten  to  own 
my  fellowship  and  unity  with  that  bod}^,  of 
which  this  bread  and  wine  are  the  com- 
munion. 

XI. 

An  extraordinary  dread  of  approaching 
the  Lord's  Table  exists  in  many  minds. 
This  is  partly  caused  by  a  misunderstanding 
of  certain  words  of  the  Apostle  Paul,  and 
must  be  removed  by  considering  their  true 


CAUSES   OF   FEAK.  21 

import.     The  expressions   are  found  in  his 
account  of  the  institution. 

''  Wherefore,  whosoever  shall  eat  this 
bread  and  drink  this  cup  of  the  Lord  unwor- 
thily, shall  be  guilty  of  the  body  and  blood 
of  the  Lord." 

"  For  he  that  eateth  and  drinketh  unwor 
thily,  eateth   and   drinketh   damnation  (the 
word  means  judgment)   to   himself,  not  dis- 
cerning the  Lord's  body."* 

Every  thing  depends  upon  our  disco- 
vering of  whom  this  guilt  and  this  judg- 
ment are  declared.  For  this  purpose  we  must 
examine  the  history  and  context  of  the  pas- 
sage. Paul  was  writing  to  the  Corinthians. 
They  had  fallen  into  gross  and  heathenish 
abuses  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  such  as  to  an- 
nul its  real  character.f  They  turned  it  into  a 
common  banquet,  where  each  ate  his  own 
separate  provision,  and  where  they  drank  to 
intoxication.  It  was  this  which  was  eating 
and  drinking  unworthily,  and  this   which 

♦  1  Cor.  n  :  27,  29.  f  1  Cor,  H  •  2a 


22  THE   YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

brought  on  tliem  guilt  and  condemnation. 
But  these  censures  do  not  apply  to  fearful 
souls,  in  our  day,  who  come  reverently  to 
the  ordinance,  even  if  it  should  be  the  case 
that  they  come  without  full  preparatiqn. 

XII. 

At  the  same  time,  we  should  not  draw 
near  without  a  holy  awe.  There  are  abuses 
tind  profanations  of  this  sacrament,  short  of 
che  riotous  enormities  of  Corinth.  God's 
displeasure  falls  on  him  who  rushes  to  this 
table,  ignorant  of  its  true  intent  and  of  the 
wsij  of  salvation  ;  unprepared  and  careless ; 
without  solemnity  and  desire  of  right  views ; 
hard,  impenitent,  and  indulging  himself  in 
known  sia. 


MAY   DOUBTING   SOULS  COME?  23 

XIII. 

Phh  §aM\\^  Smils  €mxt? 

The  profession  which  you  here  make,  is 
of  faith  in  Christ,  and  not  of  assurance  of 
hope.  The  distinction  is  important.  If, 
therefore,  you  feel  your  sins  and  long  to  be 
delivered  from  them;  if  you  attempt  and 
pray  to  be  enabled  to  come  in  faith ;  if  you 
fjast  yourself  on  the  righteousness  of  Christ, 
you  need  not  dread  the  judgments  denounced 
m  Scripture.  Hence  it  would  be  wrong  to 
defer  your  profession  of  faith  until  you  re- 
ceive the  grace  of  assurance.  This  is  well 
and  soundly  expressed  by  the  Assembly  of 
Divines:  "One  who  doubteth  of  his  being  in 
Christ,  or  of  his  due  preparation  to  the  sac- 
rament, may  have  -true  interest  in  Christ, 
though  he  be  not  yet  assured  thereof;  and 
in  God's  account  hath  it,  if  he  be  duly  affected 
with  the  apprehension  of  the  want  of  it,  and 
unfeignedly  desires  to  be  found  in  Christ,  and 


24  THE  YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

to  depart  from  iniquity.  In  wbich  case  (be- 
cause promises  are  made,  and  this  sacrament 
is  appointed  for  the  relief  even  of  weak  and 
doubting  Christians)  he  is  to  bewail  his  un- 
belief, and  labour  to  have  his  doubts  resolved ; 
and  so  doing,  he  may  and  ought  to  come  to 
the  Lord's  Supper,  that  he  may  be  further 
strengthened." 

XIV. 

Even  among  those  who  cherish  a  persua- 
sion that  they  are  born  of  God,  there  are 
some  who  debar  themselves  from  this  privi* 
lege.  They  plead  that  it  is  possible  to  live 
as  a  Christian  without  a  public  declaration 
of  it ;  that  they  are  not  yet  acknowledged 
by  the  world  as  reformed  persons ;  that  cases 
of  apostasy  are  numerous ;  that  they  feai 
lest  they  should  dishonour  their  profession ; 
or  that  they  wish  to  put  themselves  upon  a 
long  course  of  trial.     In  many  cases,  theso 


INSUFFICIENT  REASONS  FOR  DELAY.   25 

reasons  are  prompted  by  a  secret  unwilling- 
ness to  take  up  the  cross.  When  the  love 
of  Christ  is  in  the  heart,  it  ought  to  be  made 
public  by  an  open  confession.  In  the  early 
Church  there  was  no  such  thing  as  owning 
Christ  and  yet  living  separate  from  his  people. 
There  is  danger  in  postponing  this  act  upon 
slight  grounds,  and  some  have  been  known 
to  linger  thus  all  their  days.  If  there  is  sin 
in  hasty  profession,  there  is  also  sin  in  ne- 
glecting the  dying  command  of  Jesus ;  and 
if  fear  of  the  world's  opinion  be  the  motive, 
that  threatening  should  be  well  considered : 
''For  whosoever  shall  be  ashamed  of  me  and 
of  my  words,  of  him  shall  the  Son  of  Man  bo 
ashamed  when  he  shall  come  in  his  own 
glory,  and  in  his  Father's,  and  of  tlie  holy 
angels.  "* 

♦Liike9:26. 


26  THE  YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

XV. 

^rnpxM  Wu\xi$  jaf  tin  (BxVmmtt 

Some  persons  seem  never  to  acquire  a  di&- 
tinct  notion  of  the  Lord's  Supper  in  its  essen- 
tial nature.  There  are  certain  things  implied 
in  it,  and  flowing  from  it,  which  nevertheless 
are  not  its  grand  peculiarity  and  character- 
istic. These  confused  appr,^aensions  are  en- 
couraged by  some  of  our  familiar  phrases. 
For  example,  few  expressions  are  more  com- 
mon, in  reference  to  the  communion,  than 
that  of  "joining  the  Church;"  but  this  is 
only  incidental,  and  indeed  baptism  and  not 
the  eucharist  is  the  rite  of  initiation.  We 
do,  in  fact,  join  ourselves  to  the  Lord's  peo- 
ple: but  this  is  not  the  primary  idea.  In 
like  manner,  it  is  a  "profession  of  religion/^ 
and  so  of  a  purpose  to  lead  a  holy  life ;  but 
this  also  is  secondary,  and  nut  included  in 
the  rite  as  such.  Again,  though  it- seals  to 
believers   the  benefits  of  the  Covenant  of 


ENCOURAGEMENTS.  27 

Grace,  the  Lord^s  supper  is  not  itself  a 
covenant.  The  notion  of  vow  or  compact 
does  not  enter  into  the  original  idea.  Great 
evils  will  be  avoided,  if  you  fix  your  thoughts 
first  on  that  view  which  is  first  in  the  insti- 
tution itself.  It  is  a  remembering  of  Christ — 
a  showing  forth  the  Lord's  death — a  feeding  on 
his  body  and  blood — and  a  communion  with  his 
jpeople  ;  and  while  the  other  aspects,  properly 
guarded,  are  not  to  be  rejected,  these  should 
be  the  precise  object  of  our  contemplations, 

XVI. 

Great  blessings  are  derived  from  being  a 
conscientious  communicant.  At  this  sacra- 
ment, you  will  find  confirmation  of  faith  and 
all  graces,  as  already  said.  You  will  be 
honoured  and  comforted  by  the  fellowship  ot 
Christ's  people ;  you  will  be  inclosed,  and 
protected,  and    watched  over,  in   the  fold ; 


28  THE   YOUNG  COMMUXICANT. 

you  will  in  a  higher  degree  enjoy-  the  ac- 
quaintance, sympathy,  converse,  and  prayers 
of  trae  Christians ;  you  will  have  facility, 
stimulus,  aid,  and  example  in  holy  living ; 
and  you  will  hold  forth  the  word  of  life  to 
the  unconverted  world,  in  a  manner  which 
would  not  otherwise  be  possible.  To  all 
which  may  be  added,  the  indescribable  solace 
of  a  consciousness  that  you  are  obeying  Him 
who  died  for  you. 

XVII. 

||[.ct!tJ  0f  Self-jln0tole!trge. 

Human  church-authorities,  it  has  been 
said,  can  judge  only  of  the  credibility  of 
your  profession  of  faith.  But  there  is  a 
secret  matter  between  God  and  your  own 
Boul,  which  must  now  engage  your  most  soli- 
citous attention.  Every  thing  in  this  ordi- 
nance implies  the  presence  of  gracious  affec- 
tion. Even  if  you  should  escape  the  higher 
condemnation  of  the  sacrilegious,  you   can- 


SELF'EXA.MINATION.  29 

not  partahe  of  spiritual  food,  in  an  unregene- 
rate  state.  Hence  the  manifest  importance 
of  an  immediate  and  thorough  inquiry  into 
your  condition,  as  a  condemned  or  a  justified 
soul.  "  Let  a  man  examine  himself,  and  so 
let  him  eat  of  this  bread  and  drink  of  this 


cup."* 


XVIIL 

Though  it  is  to  be  supposed  that  yon 
have  already  often  brought  yourself  to  this 
test,  it  becomes  you  yet  more  deeply  to  scra- 
tinize  your  experience  before  going  to  the 
table  of  our  Lord.  And  how  greatly  do  you 
need  the  aid  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  this  work ! 
It  should  be  your  maxim,  that  no  marks  of 
evidence  are  of  the  slightest  value  which  arc 
not  clearly  laid  down  in  the  Word  of  God. 
Many  such  tests  have  been  invented.     You 


*  1  Cor.  11  :  28. 
3* 


80  THE  YOUNG  COMMUNICANT, 

should  next  be  aware  that  the  great  difficulty 
is  not  in  laying  down  marks,  but  in  identify- 
ing these  in  yourself.  Volumes  have  been 
written  on  this  single  subject.  One  un- 
doubted fruit  of  the  Spirit,  in  the  heart, 
standing  out  bright  and  undeniable,  is  just 
ground  of  belief  that  the  soul  is  regenerate. 
But  we  are  prone  to  mistake,  sometimes  in 
our  own  favour,  and  sometimes  against  our 
hopes.  Observe  carefully,  therefore,  that  in 
the  helps  now  to  be  given,  it  is  not  pretended 
that  the  topic  is  exhausted;  it  is  rather  a 
specimen  of  the  manner  in  which  the  inquiry 
may  be  conducted. 

XIX. 

Have  I  seen  myself  to  be,  by  nature  and 
by  practice,  a  lost  and  helpless  sinner? 
Have  I  seen  not  only  the  sinfulness  of  par- 
ticular acts  and  omissions,  but  that  my  heart 


QUESTIONS  BEFORE  THE  COMMUNIOi>J'.     31 

is  a  seat  and  fountain  of  sin,  and  that  in  me, 
as  unrenewed,  there  is  no  good  thing  ?  Has 
a  view  of  this  led  me  to  despair  of  help  from 
myself,  and  to  see  that  I  must  be  altogether 
indebted  to  Christ  for  salvation,  and  to  the 
gracious  aid  of  the  Holy  Spirit  for  strength 
and  ability  to  perform  my  duty  ? 

On  what  is  my  hope  of  acceptance  with 
God  founded  ?  On  my  reformation  ?  on  my 
sorrow  for  sin  ?  on  my  prayers  ?  on  my  tears  ? 
on  my  good  works  and  religious  observances  ? 
or  on  Christ  alone,  as  my  all  in  all  ?  EEas 
Christ  ever  appeared  very  precious  to  me  ? 
Have  I  ever  felt  great  freedom  in  committing 
my  soul  to  him  ?  If  I  have  done  this,  has  it 
been  not  only  to  be  delivered  from  the  pun- 
ishment due  to  sin,  but  also  from  the  power, 
pollution,  dominion,  and  very  existence  of 
sin  within  me  ? 

Do  I  hate  all  sin,  and  desire  to  be  delivered 
from  it,  without  any  exception  of  a  favour- 
ite lust  ?  Do  I  pray  much  to  be  delivered 
from  sin?    Do  I  strive  against  it?    Do  I 


32  THE  YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

avoid  temptation  ?  Do  I,  in  any  measure, 
obtain  the  victory  over  sin  ?  Have  I  so 
repented  of  it,  that  my  soul  is  really  set 
against  it  ? 

Have  I  counted  tho  cost  of  following 
Christ,  or  of  being  truly  religious  ?  Am  I 
ready  to  be  cut  off  from  vain  amusements, 
from  the  indulgence  of  my  lusts,  and  from  a 
sinful  conformity  to  tlie  world  ?  Can  I  face 
ridicule,  contempt,  and  serious  opposition? 
In  the  view  of  these  things,  am  I  willing  to 
take  up  the  cross,  and  to  follow  Christ 
whithersoever  he  shall  lead  me  ?  Is  it  my 
solemn  purpose,  in  rehance  on  his  gracious 
aid,  to  cleave  to  him  and  to  his  cause  and 
people,  to  the  end  of  life  ? 

Do  I  love  holiness  ?  Do  I  earnestly  desire 
to  be  more  and  more  conformed  to  God  and  to 
his  holy  law,  to  bear  more  and  more  the  like- 
ness of  my  Redeemer  ?  Am  I  resolved,  in 
God's  strength,  to  endeavour  conscientiously 
to  perform  my  whole  duty,  to  God,  to  my 
neighbour,  and  to  myself  ? 


QUESTIONS  BEFORE  THE  COMMUNION.     33 

Do  I  make  conscience  of  secret  prajei 
daily?  Do  I  ever  experience  delight  in  it? 
Have  I  a  set  time,  and  place,  and  order  of 
exercises  for  performing  this  duty  ?  Is  it 
my  purpose,  as  the  head  of  a  household,  to 
maintain  the  worship  of  Grod  in  my  family, 
every  morning  and  evening?  Do  I  read  a 
portion  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  every  day, 
and  in  a  devout  manner?  Do  I  love  the 
Bible  ?  Do  I  ever  perceive  a  sweetness  in  its 
truths  ?  Do  I  find  them  suited  to  my  neces- 
sities, and  do  I  at  times  see  a  wonderful 
beauty,  excellence,  and  glory  in  God's  Word  ? 
Do  I  take  it  as  the  "man  of  my  counsel," 
and  endeavour  to  have  both  heart  and  life 
conformed  to  its  requisitions  ? 

Have  I  given  myself  away  to  God,  sol- 
emnly and  irrevocably,  hoping  for  accept- 
ance through  Christ  alone,  and  taking  God 
in  Christ,  as  the  covenant  God  and  satisfying 
portion  of  my  soul  ?  Does  the  glory  of  God 
appear  to  me  the  first,  greatest,  and  best  of 
all  objects? 


34  THE  YOUNG  COMMCTNICANT. 

Ilave  I  sucTi  a  love  to  mankind  as  was 
auknown  to  me  before  ?  Have  I  a  great 
desire  that  tlie  souls  of  men  should  be  saved, 
by  being  brought  to  the  Redeemer  ?  Do  I 
feel  a  peculiar  love  to  God's  people,  because 
they  bear  their  Saviour's  image  ?  Am  I  in 
charity  with  every  brother-professor  ?  If  not, 
have  I  made  endeavours  to  be  reconciled? 
Do  I  from  the  heart  forgive  all  who  have  in- 
jured me  ?  Do  I  desire  and  endeavour  to 
grow  in  grace  and  in  the  knowledge  of  Christ 
my  Saviour,  more  and  more  ?  Am  I  willing 
to  sit  at  his  feet  as  a  little  child,  and  to  sub- 
mit my  understanding  implicitly  to  his  teach- 
ing, imploring  his  Spirit  to  guide  me  into  all 
necessary  truth,  to  save  me  from  all  fatal 
errors,  to  enable  me  to  receive  the  truth  in 
the  love  of  it,  and  to  transform  me  more  and 
more  into  a  likeness  of  Himself? 

Do  I  love  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ?  Do  I 
especially  love  him  as  dying  for  my  sins  ? 
Do  I  desire  to  remember  him,  in  this  his 
dying  love,  at  his  table?     Am  I  sufficiently 


QUESTIONS  BEFOKE  THE  COMMUNION.     35 

acquainted  with  the  nature  and  design  of  this 
sacrament  ?  Have  I  carefully  considered  the 
history  of  our  Lord's  sufferings,  in  the  four 
Grospels?  Have  I  diligently  read  the  ac- 
counts of  this  institution,  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment? Am  I  ready,  as  a  sinner  redeemed 
by  this  blood,  to  go  to  this  ordinance  ?  Am 
I  desirous  of  communion  in  it  with  Christ's 
people  ?  Am  I  willing  to  submit  myself  to 
the  government  and  discipline  of  the  Church  ? 
Do  I  feel  it  to  be  important  to  adorn  religion 
by  a  holy,  exemplary,  amiable,  and  blame- 
less walk  ?  Do  I  fear  to  bring  a  reproach 
on  the  cause  of  Christ?  Am  I  afraid  of 
backsliding,  and  of  being  left  to  return  to  a 
state  of  carelessness  and  indifference  in  reli- 
gion ?  Have  I  any  sufficient  reason  for  post- 
poning the  profession  of  my  faith  ?  And 
what  is  my  duty,  in  consideration  of  the  pos- 
sibility that  I  may  be  summoned  into  etei^ 
nity  before  another  communion  season  ?* 

*  In  preparing  these  questions,   a  free  use  has  been 
madp  of  a  series  drawn  up  by  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Groen. 


86  THE  YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

XX. 

giffitults  0f  tilt  MQXt 

The  greatest  care  is  necessary  in  an  affair 
so  important  as  tho  examination  of  your  state 
before  God.  You  will  naturally  be  relac- 
tant  to  come  to  an  unfavourable  conclusion ; 
and  hence  self-love  combined  with  self-ignor- 
ance will  bring  you  into  peril  of  self-decep- 
tion. Earnestly  endeavour  to  exercise  a  holy 
candor.  Be  thorough ;  and  for  this  purpose 
be  not  hasty  in  your  search,  but  use  frequent 
repetition.  Insert  the  probe  fully,  even  though 
it  reach  the  quick.  Mingle  prayer  to  God 
with  your  self-examination,  and  this  for  two 
reasons ;  first,  because  in  acts  of  devotion, 
both  sins  and  graces  are  most  likely  to  come 
to  light,  and  secondly,  because  God  only  can 
reveal  you  to  yourself.  Let  your  cry  be 
"  Search  me,  0  God,  and  know  my  heart ; 
try  me,  and  know  my  thoughts ;  and  see  if 


DIFFICULTY  OF  THE  WORK.  37 

there  be  any  wicked  way  in  me ;   and  lead 
me  in  the  way  everlasting."* 

A  special  counsel  is  necessary  also  for 
those  who  tend  to  form  adverse  judgments 
of  their  own  state.  Keflect  that  it  is  the 
reality,  and  not  the  perfection  or  even  emi- 
nence of  piety,  tliat  you  are  now  looking 
for.  Life  may  exist  in  the  infant  as  well  as 
the  robust  man.  Remember  that  all  graces 
are  not  always  developed  in  the  same  degree. 
Be  not  misled  by  the  experience  of  others ; 
'there  is  infinite  diversity  in  the  operations 
of  the  Spirit.  Do  not  yield  to  alarm,  because 
you  have  not  the  feelings  which  are  reported 
in  others,  or  any  certain  order  of  exercises ; 
but  let  the  sure  Word  of  God  be  your  sole 
balance,  standard,  and  touch- stone. 

*  Psalm  139    23,  24. 


S8  THE  YOUNG   COMMUNICANT. 

XXI. 

SjjkmnitiT  0f  the  ImitteL 

Here  it  will  be  proper  to  pause,  to  look 
backwards  and  forwards,  and  to  ascertain 
your  position.  There  is  no  more  serious  mo- 
ment in  your  life.  You  are  about  to  pass 
a  line  of  demarcation.  This  step  once  taken, 
and  you  are  separated  for  ever  from  your  for- 
mer associations.  It  is  irrevocable ;  for 
surely  you  shrink  from  the  thought  of  its 
being  possible  that  you  should  ever  withdraw 
your  hand  from  Jesus  Christ.  This  would 
be  treason  and  apostasy.  Can  any  words  ex- 
press too  strongly  the  momentous  nature  ot 
the  proposed  engagement !  Then  this  should 
be  a  time  of  tenderness,  reflection,  and 
prayer.  You  will  need  no  prompting  to 
make  you  shun  the  conduct  of  those  young 
professors,  who,  having  been  approved  by 
the  Church,  throw  off  all  burdens  of  care^ 
and  go  to  the  Lord's  table,  full  of  worldly 


UNDUE   FEARS.  89 

thoujrlits  and  words.  It  is  no  light  thing, 
for  the  first  time  to  take  into  your  hands  and 
lips  the  emblems  of  that  atoning  death,  on 
which  your  faith  rests  for  salvation. 


XXII. 

There  is  a  godly  fear  which  becomes  tho 
approach  to  this  sacrament.  But  there  is  no- 
thing profitable  in  a  legal  and  slavish  dread, 
which  is  often  compounded  of  self-righteous- 
ness and  superstition.  The  best  cure  of  this 
is  to  have  the  heart  sprinkled  from  an  evil 
conscience  by  the  blood  of  Christ.*  Terror 
does  not  belong  to  the  Lord's  Supper,  which 
you  should  consider  as  a  feast  of  love.  The 
Lord  Jesus  himself  invites  you,  where  he  has 
promised  to  be  present.f  Deliberately  con- 
sider with  what  feelings  you  would  enter  an 
apartment,  if  you  knew  that  the  blessed  Sa' 

*  Keb.  10    22.  t  Matt  la  :  20. 


4:0  THE   YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

viour  in  his  visible  humanity  was  waitiDg  tc 
receive  you.  He  was  often  thus  approached. 
Did  he  reject,  or  frown  on  the  Syro-phoenician, 
or  the  sinful  woman  at  Simon's  house,  or  the 
woman  taken  in  adultery?*  "This  man,"  it 
was  said,  "receiveth.  sinners."  And  he  is 
"Jesus  Christ,  the  same  yesterday,  to-day, 
and  for  ever."f 

XXIII. 

The  whole  period  between  conversion  and 
communion  might  with  some  justice  be  re- 
garded as  preparation ;  for  where  the  work 
of  grace  has  been  deep,  one  great  subject  has 
reigned  over  the  mind  during  these  weeks  or 
months.  But  a  solemnity  so  great  as  that 
which  has  been  indicated,  may  well  demand 
especial  engagement  of  the  thoughts.     From 

*  Mark  1  .  24-30.    Luke  8  :  36-50.    John  8  :  1~]1. 
f  Heb.  13  :  8. 


PREPARATION.  41 

the  moment  wlien  you  have  determined  to 
profess  yonr  faith,  until  the  moment  when 
this  purpose  is  carried  into  execution,  it  is 
difficult  to  conceive  how  this  one  topic  can 
ever  be  absent  from  your  reflections  for  many 
minutes  at  once.  Ta.ke  all  the  time  which  is 
at  your  disposal,  for  devotional  exercises  con- 
nected with  the  coming  ordinance.  If  your 
feelings  express  themselves  in  frequent  and 
almost  constant  prayer,  it  will  be  well.  Self- 
examination  must  not  exclude  more  fruitful 
exercises.  The  sacrament  exhibits  sublime 
facts,  doctrines,  and  blessings:  let  these  en- 
gage your  meditations.  Bring  fully  before 
your  mind  the  scene  of  our  Lord's  betrayal, 
agony,  and  death;  for  it  is  this  which  you 
are  to  remember.  Instead  of  human  descrip- 
tions, read  and  ponder  on  the  simple  narra- 
tives of  the  Scripture.*  Muse  upon  these, 
until  the  heart  is  melted.  Be  not  content 
with  the  stirring  of  natural  sensibility,  but 

*  Matt.  26 :  30-15;  27 : 1-66,  Mark  14 :  26-12    16 :  1-47, 
Luke  22  ;  47-71;    23  ;  1-56.   John  18  :  19 
4* 


45  THE   YOUNG  COMMUNICANT 

yield  to  sorrow  for  your  sins,  wliich  were 
thus  expiated.  Go  forth  in  direct  acts  of 
faith,  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as  dying  on 
the  cross  for  you.  And  let  love  embrace 
and  enjoy  him,  gratitude  praise  him,  and  the 
spirit  of  self-oblation  carry  you  out  of  your- 
self, in  unconditional  surrender.  Thus  feel 
ing,  you  will  be  prepared  for  the  holy  table. 

XXIV. 

Customs  vary  in  different  congregations , 
but  it  is  generally  the  case  that  some  public 
services  are  maintained  during  the  week  pre- 
ceding the  Lord's  Supper.  These  are  great 
aids  to  private  piety  and  to  the  culture  of 
brotherly  affection.  Forsake  them  not,  "as 
the  manner  of  some  is.""^  In  your  attendance 
upon  them,  seek  to  derive  the  blessings  pro- 
mised to  the  faithful  use  of  ordinances. 

*  Heb.  10 :  25. 


PIRST  COMMUNION.  43 

XXV. 

imt  €mmm\mt 

The  first  occasion  of  drawing  near  to  the 
Lord's  Table  is  likely  to  be  memorable  for 
life.     And  yet  it  is  not  always  marked  with 
emment  spiritual  peace  or  joyfulness.    Indeed 
it  is  common  to  hear  sad  lamentations,  and 
sometimes    expressions  bordering   on   utter 
despondency,  after  the  solemn  rite  is  over. 
This  result  is  caused  partly  by  incorrect  or 
exaggerated  expectations  of  immediate  com- 
fort, and  partly  by  the  very  trepidation  of  a 
mind   placed   in   novel  and   trying  circum- 
stances.  It  is  useful  therefore  to  be  instructed, 
that  acceptable  participation  in  this   sacra- 
ment is  not  always  evidenced  by  high  or 
rapturous   emotions.      To   avoid   the   other 
evil,  you  should  seek  for  calmness  of  mind, 
as  a  most  important  condition  of  profit.     If 
self-examination  has  been  faithful,  you  may 
freely  give  yourself  up,  on  tho  morning  of 


44  THE  YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

the  Lord's  day,  to  serene  and  tranquil  wait- 
ing. In  plain  terms,  do  not  try  to  think  of 
too  many  things.  Keflect,  that  you  are  not 
to  communicate,  but  to  receive.  Place  your 
soul  in  an  expectant  posture.  It  is  impossi- 
ble to  wait  for  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
without  a  certain  degree  of  composure,  self- 
collection,  and  holy  stillness.  Seat  yourself, 
so  to  speak,  at  the  foot  of  the  cross. 

XXVI. 

The  Lord's  Supper  has  sometimes  been 
called  an  "epitome  of  the  Gospel."  In  a 
certain  sense,  this  is  just;  for  the  doctrine 
which  it  sets  forth  is  the  central  truth  of  the 
gracious  system,  in  which  all  truths  harmo- 
nize and  toward  which  all  lines  converge. 
But  this  expression  may  mislead  and  embar- 
rass, by  causing  the  inexperienced  soul  to 
attempt  a  comprehensive  view  of  all  the  vari- 


PRELIMINARY  SERVICES.  45 

oas  truths  wliicli  are  in  any  way  involved  in 
this  ordinance.  It  is  a  law  of  the  human  mind 
that  it  cannot  be  fully  occupied  with  more 
than  one  object  at  the  same  time.  It  is 
equally  true,  that  this  object,  in  order  to 
affect  the  feelings,  must  be  held  for  some 
time  before  the  thoughts.  Hence  the  wis- 
dom of  concentrating  your  contemplations, 
as  much  as  possible,  upon  the  grand  pecu- 
liar truth  held  forth  in  the  sacrament;  and 
on  that  principal  duty  to  which  you  are 
called,  namely,  the  remembrance  of  Christ, 
and  the  showing  forth  his  death.  Other 
subordinate  truths  will  best  range  themselves 
under  this.  * 

xxvn. 

The  Lord's  Supper  is  commonly  preceded 
by  the  usual  worship  and  instructions  of  the 
Sab])ath,  modified  by  reference  to  the  ap- 
proaching ordinance.    It  is  to  be  hoped  that 


46  THE  YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

the  day  will  never  come,  wlien  it  shall  bo 
allowed  in  our  assemblies,  as  in  some  others, 
to  treat  this  sacrament  as  a  mere  appendage ; 
without  any  special  allusion  in  the  preceding 
sermon  and  devotions  to  the  atoning  work  of 
Christ.  It  is  natural,  and  it  is  usual,  for  all 
the  public  exercises  of  the  day  to  have  a- 
mai  ked  tincture  of  expiation  and  dying  love. 
To  these  services,  you  will  be  disposed  to 
give  your  reverent  attention.  But  here  exr 
perience  shows  that  you  need  an  admonition. 
Perhaps  the  train  of  thought  presented,  and 
tlio  emotions  excited,  differ  from  those 
which  you  looked  for,  and  which  you  have 
been  trying  to  entertain.  If  so,  make  no 
effort  to  resist  this  new  leaning  of  soul.  It 
may  be  the  very  answer  to  your  prayers,  and 
the  very  state  of  mind  which  you  most  need. 
For  the  minister  of  the  sanctuary  is  under  a 
providential  and  gracious  guidance,  with  ro- 
spcct  to  God's  people. 


FEELINGS  SUITED  TO  THE  ORDINANCE.     47 

XXVIIL 

The  operations  of  the  mind  are  rapid; 
many  thouglits  and  feelings  may  be  com- 
pressed into  a  single  instant.  During  the 
most  interesting  service  therefore,  there  will 
be  many  ideas  in  addition  to  those  suggested 
by  the  minister.  Tliere  is  therefore  a  discre- 
tion to  be  observed,  in  cherishing,  suppress- 
sing,  or  directing  such  thoughts;  for  upon 
these  will  depend  the  temper  of  the  soul. 
By  a  due  exercise  of  the  faculty  of  atten- 
tion, we  may  hold  certain  objects  before  the 
mind,  and  thus  indirectly  promote  certain 
feelings.  The  emotions  which  are  proper 
during^  a  sacramental  service  are  such  ag 
these  :  Lowliness  in  the  presence  of  the  God 
of  infinite  majesty,  whom  yon  have  offended, 
and  who  yet  invites  you  to  his  table.  Sor- 
row for  sin,  and  sympathetic  tenderness,  in 
consideration   of  the  sufferings  of  Jesus  in 


48  THE  YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

your  stead.     Faith,  in  Christ,  as  the  Lamb  of 
God,  once  laid  upon  the  altar,  and  now  sig- 
nificantly offered  to  you  in  the   sacrament 
Filial  confidence  in  him,  as  freely  pardon- 
ing all  your  sins.     Melting  love  to  the  Ke- 
deemer,  as  the  chiefest  among  ten  thousand 
and  altogether  lovely.     Absolute  dedication 
to  him,  in  thankful  offering  of  yourself,  to  be 
his  for  evermore.     Sincere  affection  to  God's 
people,  who  now  surround  you  in  fellowship. 
Any  one  of  these  feelings  is  right,  and  not  to 
be  driven  away  or  repressed.    And  if  during 
the  solemnity  you  find  your  thoughts   and 
feelings  borne   away  into   new  tracts,   alto- 
gether different  from  any  thing  which  you 
had  been  prescribing  to  yourself,  yet  in  gene- 
ral agreeing  with  the  intent  of  the  ordinance ; 
be  not  afraid  to  yield  to  such   suggestions, 
which  may  proceed  from  the   Spirit  of  aU 
good. 


CHRIST  PRESENT.  49 

XXIX. 

There  is  perhaps  no  one  thonglit  more 
suited  to  prepare  and  compose  the  mind, 
than  this,  that  the  Lord  Jesus  is  present  at 
his  own  table.  Make  the  endeavour  to  ap- 
prehend this  as  a  reahty.  Look  towards  him 
as  the  one  object ;  with  the  assurance  that  he 
is  just  as  tender,  compassionate,  and  forgiv- 
ing, as  when  he  was  on  earth  ;  and  that  he  is 
the  most  accessible  being  in  the  universe. 
Rejoice  that  he  knows  all  things,  and  looks 
to  the  verj  bottom  of-  your  heart  Confide 
to  him  your  deepest  sense  of  unworthiness, 
and  of  your  unfitness  for  this  privilege; 
and  flee  to  his  righteousness  in  this  solemn 
moment,  as  fully  covering  all  your  sins. 
Guard  against  the  supposition,  that  your  ac- 
ceptance is  dependent  on  frames  of  joy  or 
even  comfort,  at  his  table.  Go  out  of  your- 
self, and  place  your  whole  heart  in  his  hands. 

6 


50  THE  YOUNG   COMMUNICANT. 

If  your  thoughts  wander  or  become  con- 
fused, if  you  find  yourself  suddenly  cold  and 
impenetrable,  or  even  bereft  of  all  right  feel- 
ings, avoid  struggles  of  mind  to  repair  the 
evil ;  but  gently  bring  back  your  thoughts  to 
the  all-gracious  and  present  Jesus,  who  sees 
and  pities  your  infirmities. 


XXX. 

Although  we  reject  the  belief  of  any 
such  consecration  as  changes  the  nature  of 
the  elements,  we  hold  the  moment  of  adminis- 
tering the  rite  to  be  very  solemn.  The 
sacramental  actions  are  divinely  appointed; 
they  are  significant ;  and  they  are  addressed 
to  the  senses.  They  should  therefore  be 
attentively  and  reverently  observed.  Look 
at  the  bread  broken,  and  the  wine  poured 
out;  for  herein  are  emblematically  shown 
the  breaking  of  that  sacred  body,  and  the 


THE  ACT   OF  PARTAKINQ  51 

Bliedding  of  that  precious  blood.  Look 
through  them  to  the  dying  and  atoning 
Saviour;  this  is  "discerning  the  Lord's 
body."*  Open  your  ear  and  heart  to  the 
truth  which  may  be  uttered  from  the  word 
of  God.  Thus  shall  you  be  in  readiness  for 
the  actual  participation.  The  entire  series  of 
exercises,  during  which  the  bread  and  wine 
are  given  and  received,  with  suitable  words, 
is  to  be  considered  as  sacramental;  but  the 
most  solemn  moment  is  that  in  which  you 
individually  receive  the  elements. 

XXXL 

The  act  of  partaking  is  passing  and  brief. 
The  thoughts  of  those  few  instants  must  of 
course  be  short.  The  proper  exercise  must 
be  such  as  may  be  compendious.  It  is  plaiD 
therefore  that  your  views  at  this  juncture 

♦  1  Cor.  11 :  29. 


52  I'HK  YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

must  be  extremely  simple.  You  will  not 
greailj  err,  if  you  fix  your  regards  on  "Jesus 
Christ,  and  liim  cracified."*  Such  childlike 
thoughts  as  these  will  properly  arise : 

"Lord  Jesus,  I  remember  thee!" 

"Jesus,  Saviour,  I  here  remember  thy 
body  broken  for  my  sins." 

"Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  siu 
of  the  world,  have  mercy  upon  mel'' 

"Lord,  I  show  forth  thy  death  till  thou 
come !" 

"  0  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  I  take  this  cup  in 
memory  of  thee,  as  the  new  covenant  in  thy 
blood!" 

"  I,  a  wretched  sinner,  confide  in  thy  blood, 
shed  for  many  for  the  remission  of  sins." 

"Lord,  I  believe,  help  thou  mine  unbe- 
lief!" 

"Blessed  Jesus,  who  hast  died  for  me,  I 
here  give  myself  away  to  thee!" 

"God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner  I" 

"  Let  this  cup  of  blessing  be  blessed  unto 

•  1  Cor.  2:2. 


THOUGHTS  OF  SELF  AND  SIN.  53 

me,  for  the  sake  of  my  dying  Lord,  whom  1 
thus  remember!" 

Any  one  of  these  ejaculations  would  be 
appropriate  and  edifying;  and  the  sacied 
calm  of  the  soul  should  not  be  interrupted 
by  ingenious  attempts  to  vary  or  multiply 
the  thoughts.  Indeed  the  soul  that  silently 
waits  on  God,  must  relinquish  a  portion  of 
its  activity,  at  such  a  time,  leaving  something 
to  the  suggestions  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

XXXII. 

During  the  progress  of  the  ordinance,  tha 
mind  will  necessarily  turn  inward.  Be  not 
discouraged  if  all  there  seem  dark  and  repul- 
sive. It  is  as  a  guilty  helpless  creature  that 
you  have  come  to  this  table.  You  may  justly 
cry,  "Unclean,  unclean!"*  The  sins  which 
crucified.  Him  whom  your  soul  loveth  may 

*  Lev.  13:45. 
5* 


54  THE  YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

well  seem  bitter  and  horrible,  as  you  gazo 
on  tlie  cross.  The  most  profound  humilia- 
tion is  compatible  with  faith  and  love.  Should 
yo:i  vow  an  everlasting  separation  from  your 
sins,  it  will  be  with  good  reason.  Indeed 
the  moment  is  favourable  for  inflicting  deadly 
wounds  on  the  body  of  sin. 

XXXIII. 

f  |0ugl]t5  0f  Cljrist 

The  great  object  of  your  thoughts  is  hew- 
ever  the  Master  of  the  feast,  the  Lord  Jesus, 
here  "  evidently  set  forth  crucified."*  When 
he  is  vividly  before  your  mind,  in  his  agonies 
and  death,  believe  on  him,  rest  in  him,  cleave 
to  him.  By  faith  feed  on  him,  as  "the  Bread 
of  life."t  Hesitate  not  to  let  the  full  tide  of 
your  affections  flow  out  to  him.  Love  him, 
as  infinitely  holy  and  gracious.  "  Set  to 
your  seal  that  God  is  true,":j:  and  appropriate 

♦  GaL  3    1.  f  John  6  :  48,  51,  53, 66. 

X  John  3  :  33. 


THOUGHTS  OF  BRETHREN.  56 

him  as  yours;  saying,  "My  Lord,  and  my 
God'."*  Adore  tlio  ineffable  glory  of  God 
as  it  shines  in  the  face  of  Jesns  Christ.  And 
renew  your  covenant,  by  yielding  yourself 
irrevocably  to  him,  as  your  Lord  and  King. 
These  are  but  broken  specimens  of  the  acts 
of  a  happy  soul  in  communion  with  Christ 
at  his  Table. 

XXXTV. 

As  your  eye  wanders  towards  the  brethren, 
who,  side  by  side  with  you,  sit  at  the  same 
ordinance,  you  will  own  the  tie  of  fellowship. 
It  is  a  feeling  which  befits  the  occasion.  Now 
let  the  electric  current  of  brotherly  love  per- 
vade  the  circle.  Recognize  your  place  in 
that  community  which  is  the  body  of  Christ. 
This  is  an  ordinance  of  joint  privileges. 
"  The  cup  of  blessing  which  we  bless,  is  it 
not  the  communion  (or  joint  participation) 

»  John  20  :  28. 


56  THE  TOUNG   COMMUNICANT. 

of  the  blood  of  Christ?  The  bread  which 
we  break,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  tho 
body  of  Christ  ?  •  For  we  being  many  are 
one  bread  (or  loaf)  and  one  body;  for  we 
are  all  partakers  of  that  one  bread."*  The 
glow  of  mutual  attachment  should  now  be 
warm.  "Love  as  brethren  ;"f  and  carrj 
away  this  holy  affection  into  your  common 
life. 

XXXV. 

€mlxms  ufUx  €mmmmi 

After  the  first  sacramental  communion, 
the  Apostles  entered  into  temptation,  fell 
asleep,  and  soon  afterwards  were  guilty  of 
greater  sins.  Let  the  young  communicant 
be  watchful  against  surprises.  Even  on  the 
very  day,  the  soul  sometimes  relaxes  ita 
vigour ;  as  the  bent  bow  flies  back  when  un^ 
bound.  "Where  the  services  are  protracted, 
as  is  sometimes  the  case,  there  is  a  tendency 

*  1  Cor.  10    16,  17.  f  IPet  3.  8. 


BISAPPOINTED  HOPES^  67 

to  thia  result,  from  weariness  of  body  and 
mind.  Be  exhorted  to  maintain  seriousness 
and  humility  and  quiet  of  soul,  even  though 
tears  or  rapture  are  denied  you.  What 
can  more  surely  argue  a  shallow  experience, 
if  not  a  profane  mind,  than  a  speedy  return 
to  light  reading,  frivolous  conversation,  and 
worldly  thoughts  ?  Endeavour  to  preserve 
the  sentiments  which  you  have  attained,  and 
reflect  upon  the  manner  in  which  you  have 
passed  through  this  new  and  important  scene 
of  your  life. 

XXXVI. 

It  is  by  no  means  unusual  for  persons  to 
come  from  a  first  communion  in  deep  dis- 
tress. Instead  of  the  peace  and  joy  which 
they  expected,  they  found  only  stupidity, 
unbelief,  and  vexing  thoughts.  Or,  at  best, 
they  received  no  addition  of  faith  and  emo- 
tion.   In  Buch  cases,  they  are  harassed  with 


58  THE  YOUNG   COMMUNICANT, 

fears,  and  even  ready  to  abandon  all  hopo. 
For  the  most  part,  these  apprehensions  aro 
inordinate.  The  Avoi-st  cases  are  those  where 
there  is  no  sense  of  dissatisfaction.  The 
profit  of  the  communion  is  not  always  to  be 
measured  by  its  comforts.  The  graces  of 
the  Lord's  Table  are  sovereign  and  manifold. 
They  are  not  always  productive  of  joy. 
There  may  be  great  advancement,  and  true 
service  of  God,  where  there  is  no  elation. 
The  soul  may  be  acceptable  to  Christ,  whero 
there  are  deep  sorrows,  or  keen  pangs  of 
compunction,  or  distressing  self-condemna- 
tion. The  ordinance  has  not  been  unfruitful, 
if  it  has  left  you  low  in  the  dust,  under  a 
persuasion  of  your  own  remaining  sin,  help- 
lessness, and  need  of  Christ.  But  even  on 
the  supposition  that  much  has  been  wrong 
in  the  frame  of  your  spirit,  what  remains  for 
you,  but  to  prostrate  yourself  anew  at  the 
feet  of  Jesus?  Carefully  review  the  nature 
of  your  preparation,  and  mark  its  defecta 
Recall  your  mental  acts    during  the  sacra- 


THANKFUL  REVIEW.  59 


ment;    inquire  wliat  has  been  amis;?;    and 
resolve  in  God's  i 
m  time  to  come. 


resolve  in  God's  strength  to  avoid  these  evils 


XXXVII. 

Through  the  tender  mercies  of  our  God, 
the  cases  are  numerous,  in  which  the  young 
communicant  retires  from  the  Table  of  the 
Lord,  strengthened  and  encouraged.  The 
cardinal  truth  of  Christianity  has  been  set 
before  his  thoughts  and  become  incorporated 
with  his  faith.  He  has  seen  Jesus.*  His 
views  of  the  infinite  freedom  of  salvation 
have  been  made  more  clear.  The  evidences 
of  his  acceptance  with  God  have  become 
brighter.  He  is  more  disposed  than  ever 
before,  to  yield  himself  as  a  sacrifice,  soul, 
body,  and  spirit,  which  is  his  reasonable 
service.f    Where  any  part  of  this  is  truo^ 

*  John  12  :  21.  f  Rom.  12    L 


60  THE   YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

you  have  new  cause  for  gratitude.  It  is 
"the  Lord  thj  God  which  teacheth  thee  to 
profit."*  Now  is  the  time,  to  bless  him  for 
this  grace,  and  to  beg  the  continuance  of  it. 
Now  is  the  time  to  set  a  watch  against  re- 
lapses, and  to  carry  into  effect  the  vows 
which  you  have  made  at  the  Lord's  Table. 
Henceforth,  you  will  look  for  the  recurrence 
of  this  sacrament  with  a  lively  expectation, 
founded  on  experience. 

XXXVIII. 

§mml  ^ttmptl 

Look  back  from  this  point,  my  dear 
Christian  friend,  upon  what  you  have  done. 
Even  in  the  view  of  the  world,  you  are  no 
longer  your  own.  You  have  publicly  given 
yourself  away  to  Christ,  to  be  his  servant 
for  ever  He  has  brought  you  into  his  ban- 
quetting  house,  and  his  banner  over  you  has 
been  love.f 

*  Isa.  48  :  17.  f  Cant  2  :  4. 


GOI"NrG  DOWN  TO  THE  WOULD  61 

Yet  many,  having  proceeded  thus  far,  have 
gone  back.  "  No  man,  having  put  his  hand 
to  the  plough,  and  looking  back,  is  fit  for  the 
kingdom  of  G-od."*  Every  thought,  word, 
and  act  of  your  future  life,  is  to  be  in  the 
character  of  an  avowed  disciple  of  the  T^ord 
Jesus.  And  for  ability  so  to  walk,  you  have 
need  to  cry  importunately  for  the  aids  of  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

XXXIX. 

§mug  S^toit  to  t\t  lE^rft* 

The  Lord's  Supper  has  often  been  repre 
sented  as  "  a  mount  of  ordinances."  Such  it 
often  seems  to  the  young  communicant,  who 
is  disposed  to  say,  with  one  of  old,  ''  Master, 
it  is  good  for  us  to  be  here."t  But  eleva- 
tions like  this  are  not  for  ever ;  and  the  des- 
cent from  them  is  beset  with  temptation.  It 
is  a  time  of  danger.    Never  will  you  need 

♦  Lvke  9  :  62.  ]  Mark.  9  ;  5. 

6 


62  THE  YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

more  circumspection.  You  are  about  to  re- 
turn to  the  very  scenes  of  your  former  dis- 
obedience. How  hard  a  task,  to  be  a  new 
character,  amidst  the  old  circumstances  1 
Former  allurements  await  you;  former 
habits  prepare  their  nets  for  you;  former 
companions  watch  for  your  halting.  The 
colour  of  your  whole  future  course  depends 
very  much  upon  the  manner  in  which  you 
sustain  your  new  obligations.  Cast  yourself 
therefore,  at  the  feet  of  infinite  Wisdom  and 
Grace,  that  you  may  be  enabled  to  "adorn 
the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in  all 
things."* 

XL. 

€mx^t 

"Be  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the  power 
of  his  might."f  "Quit  yourselves  like  men?"f 
Such  injunctions  are  not  obsolete.  You  are 
about  to  mingle  with  fellow-creatures,  some 

*  Titus,  2    10  f  EpL  6  :  10.  J  1  Cor.  16  :  13. 


INTERVAL  BETWEEN  COMMUNIONS.       63 

of  whom  fire  at  enmity  witli  God.  Eeject 
with  disdain  the  meanness  of  being  ashamed 
of  the  faith.  In  every  proper  and  humble 
way,  let  it  be  seen  that  you  are  a  follower  of 
Christ.  Silence  will  sometimes  be  a  duty ; 
but  "  be  ready  always  to  give  an  answer  to 
every  man  that  asketh  you  a  reason  of  the 
hope  that  is  in  you,  with  meekness  and  fear?"* 
Take  care  not  to  be  talked  out  of  your  con- 
victions ;  and  arm  yourself  with  a  constant 
faith  in  your  ever-present  Eedeemer. 

XLI. 

There  are  some  professing  Christians  who 
may  be  said  to  have  only  a  sacramental 
piety.  Eor  a  few  days  before  and  after  the 
communion,  they  desist  from  gayeties,  attend 
on  devotions^  and  "disfigure  their  faces."t 
This  done,  they  return  With  new  zest  to  theii 

♦  1  Peter  3  :  15.  f  Matt.  6  :  10. 


64  THE   YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

covetonsness  or  their  pleasures.  Do  yon 
need  to  be  ^a'  arned  against  this  abuse  ?  Per- 
haps not ;  and  3^et  you  may  be  in  danger  of 
a  more  refined  hypocrisy.  You  may  cease 
to  watch,  and  relax  in  faithfulness.  Be  it 
your  solemn  purpose  to  serve  your  Master 
as  well  during  the  interval,  as  at  the  Lord's 
Table.  Thus,  when  the  approach  of  another 
communion  is  announced  by  the  pastor,  it 
will  not  be  to  you  as  it  is  to  many,  an  unweJ 
come  surprise. 

XLIL 

It  is  supposed  by  many  learned  men,  that 
the  early  Christians  commemorated  Chrisf  s 
death  at  least  every  Lord's  Day.  In  America 
there  is  a  general  disposition  to  celebrate  this 
sacrament  oftener  than  was  customary  with 
our  forefathers.  There  are  several  classes  of 
persons,  to  whom  the  Lord's  Supper  is  pecu- 


BEN-EFITS  OF  FREQUENT  COMMUNION.       65 

liarlj  a  source  of  strength  and  comfort.    For 
example : 

1.  Doubting  disciples  ;  who  cannot  have 
the  free  offer  of  grace  and  righteousness  held 
out  to  them  too  often. 

2.  Persons  of  legal  views-,  prone  to 
dream  of  meritorious  conditions.  These  mis- 
takes are  best  corrected  by  going  frequently 
to  Grethsemane  and  Golgotha. 

8.  Backsliders;  who  are  awakened  by 
the  call,  to  self-examination,  and  melted 
when  Jesus  turns  and  looks  upon  them,  as 
on  Peter.* 

4.  Solitary  ones  ;  those  who  need  the 
cheering  sense  of  fellowship,  produced  by 
this  feast  of  brotherhood. 

5.  Children  of  Affliction.  Ten  thou- 
sand times  have  they  forgotten  their  earthly 
Borrows,  in  the  joys  of  Christ's  presence. 

6.  Such  as  are  about  to  die.  This  sacra- 
ment is  a  preparation  for  passing  over  Jor- 
dan.    The  faith  which  it  demands,  is  just  the 

♦  L^o  22  •  61. 
6* 


6Q  THE  YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

childlike  exercise   which   is  suitable  to  the 
dying  tioiir. 

XLIII. 

A  FIEST  communion  is  the  most  striking, 
but  not  always,  perhaps  not  often,  the  most 
joyful  or  the  most  edifying.  It  is  the  privi- 
lege of  true  religion  that  its  delights  may 
go  on  increasing.  Endeavour  then  to  rise  a 
step  higher,  on  each  successive  occasion. 
B.enew  your  self-examination,  and  strive  to 
gain  clearer  views  of  Christ. 

XLIV. 

Should  your  life  be  spared  so  that  you 
shall  have  sat  often  at  the  Table  of  the  Lord, 
there  are  some  reflections  which  will  be  ap- 
propriate and  useful.     You  will  plainly  have 


WHY  SOME  KEFKAIN  FROM  PARTAKING.  67 

had  great  increase  of  light  and  privilege- 
Ask  yourself  then:  "How  have  I  profited 
by  these?  What  point  have  I  reached  in 
my  spiritual  pilgrimage?  What  evil  habit 
have  I  broken  ?  What  besetting  sin  have  I 
crucified  ?  What  holy  principle  has  gained 
strength  ?  What  labours  have  I  undertaken  ? 
What  sacrifices  have  I  made  ?  How  has  my 
Christian  progress  agreed  with  what  I  hoped 
for  ?  What  special  impulse  have  I  derived 
j5:om  this  last  communion  ?" 


XLV. 

There  are  instances  of  persons,  long 
known  as  Christian  professors,  who  allow 
the  Lord's  Supper  to  be  celebrated  without 
their  participation.  They  allege  to  them- 
selves various  reasons;  three  of  which,  as 
being  too  common,  deserve  to  be  considered. 

1.    "I   HAVE    FAIIjED    to    MAKE    PREPA.RA- 


68  THE   YOUNG   COMMUNICANT. 

TION."  If,  with  full  knowledge  of  the  com- 
ing solemnity,  you  have  entirely  neglected 
preparation  of  heaj-t,  you  have  sinned,  and 
ought  to  repent.  But  this  does  not  absolve 
you  from  your  prior  duty  to  Christ  and  hia 
Church.  In  the  brief  period,  therefore,  which 
remains,  cast  youself  before  God,  and  humbly 
go  forward  to  his  Table,  relying  on  his  for- 
giveness and  aid.  Let  the  same  principle 
govern  you,  if,  in  travelling,  you  should  find 
yourself  unexpectedly  present  where  the  dis- 
ciples of  Christ  are  about  to  remember  his 
death.  Hezekiah's  prayer  is  here  applicable : 
*'  The  good  Lord  pardon  every  one  that  pre- 
pareth  his  heart  to  seek  God,  the  Lord  God 
of  his  fathers,  though  he  be  not  cleansed  ac- 
cording to  the  purification  of  the  sanctuary."* 

2.  "I  AM  NOT  IN  CHARITY  WITH  BRETH- 
REN." If  you  mean,  that  some  person  or 
persons  may  be  expected  to  partake,  between 
whom  and  yourself  there  is  a  feeling  of 
malice — your  duty  is  very  plain.     This  fecl- 

♦  2  Chron.  30  :  18  19. 


WHY  SOME  REFRAIN  FROM  PARTAKING.  69 

ing  is  hateful  to  Christ.  If  you  are  the 
offended  person,  lose  no  time  in  pursuing 
the  method  enjoined  by  Christ.*  If  you  are 
the  offender,  hasten  to  make  confession  and 
reparation.  In  either  case,  "  be  reconciled 
to  thy  brother."  You  commit  a  double  sin, 
of  an  aggravated  dye,  by  staying  away  from 
the  Lord's  Table  on  such  a  pretext.  "  There* 
fore  let  us  keep  the  feast,  not  with  old  leaven, 
neither  with  the  leaven  of  malice  and  wicked- 
ness, but  with  the  unleavened  bread  of  sin- 
cerity and  truth. "f 

3.    ''I  HAVE    LOST    MY  HOPE    IN   CHRIST." 

Such  language  often  proceeds  from  sincere 
believers,  under  the  temporary  hidings  of 
God's  face.  Moods  of  feeling  should  not  be 
made  principles  of  action.  Where  a  duty  is 
definitely  prescribed,  we  should  not  refuse  it, 
becauseof  great  sense  of  unfitness;  otherwise 
we  might  abandon  all  the  other  means  of 
grace.  If  therefore  your  declension  has  not 
reached  the  dreadful  point,  of  your  having 

*  Matt.  18  :  15-20.  f  1  Cor.  6  '.  8. 


70  THE  YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

renoTinced  tlie  religious  character,  it  is  clearly 
your  duty  to  go  to  the  Lord's  Table.  This 
temptation  may  be  sent "  by  Satan  for  the 
purpose  of  deterring  you  from  this  ordinance. 
This  is  a  sacrament  of  which  the  very  end  ia 
to  exhibit  Christ  and  so  confirm  faith.  Come 
to  it  therefore,  with  new  endeavours  after  re- 
pentance and  with  humble  trust.  If  you  find 
yourself  impenitent,  you  have  the  highest 
motive  to  repent,  but  none  to  disobey  your 
Lord.  And  while  you  will  sin  by  partaking 
in  unbelief,  you  will  not  escape  sin  by  turn- 
ing your  back  on  the  Lord's  Table. 

XLVI. 

Selfishness  insinuates  itself  into  our  best 
services.  "  Look  not  every  man  on  his  own 
things,  but  every  man  also  on  the  things  of 
others."^*     How  rarely  do  we  give  ourselves 

*  Philipp.  2  :  4. 


THE  CAKEER  BEFORE   YOIT.  71 

any  concern,  about  the  manner  in  which  our 
friends  and  neighbours  profit  at  the  commu- 
nion !  Beformation  on  this  point  would  tend 
to  the  revival  of  the  churches.  Seriously 
look  around  you,  and  consider  who  there  are, 
properly  within  your  reach,  whom  you  may 
induce  to  employ  those  means  which  shall 
render  this  sacrament  more  edifying  and 
more  dear  to  them.  By  discreet  counsels, 
by  suitable  books  or  tracts,  and  especially  by 
the  charm  of  a  holy  spiritual  example,  you 
may  be  as  an  angel  of  mercy  to  some  whom 
you  love. 

XLVII. 

fire  €mn  tof0n  %m. 

But  now  the  race  is  only  begun.  It  would 
be  lamentable  indeed,  if  you  should  subside 
into  listlessiiess,  as  if  the  great  object  of 
your  life  was  attained,  because  you  have 
been  accredited  as  a  member  of  the  Church. 
in   full   communion;  or  even   because   you 


72  THE   YOUJS"G   COMMUNICANT. 

may  have  enjoyed  some  manifestations  of 
Divine  favour  at  the  Lord's  Table.  There  lies 
before  you  an  immense  work,  which  is  to 
terminate  only  with  your  earthly  career.  "As 
ye  have  therefore  received  Christ  Jesus  the 
Lord,  so  walk  ye  in  him."*  You  are  now  en- 
rolled among  the  people  of  God.  See  that 
your  behaviour  be  accordant  vnth  that  sacred 
relation;  *'that  ye  may  walk  worthy  of  the 
Lord  unto  all  pleasing,  being  fruitful  in  every 
good  work,  increasing  in  the  knowledge  of 
God."f  Eeflect  continually,  not  only  that 
the  eyes  of  the  world,  and  the  eyes  of  fellow- 
Christians  are  upon  you,  but  that  the  adorable 
Redeemer  himself  looks  down  upon  you,  and 
demands  the  consecration  of  your  life.  The 
reverse  of  all  this  is  lamentably  manifest  in 
many  young  professors,  who  are  seen  to  relax 
rather  than  to  quicken  their  spiritual  pace, 
after  having  entered  juto  church-bonds. 

'^(hl  1-  &  t  Col.  1 :  10. 


IMPORTANCE  OF  BEGINNING  ARIGHT.      73 

XLVIII. 

The  importance  of  first  steps,  in  any  great 
undertaking,  cannot  be  overrated.  Grace 
works  some  signal  exceptions ;  but  it  is  gen- 
erally true  that  men  proceed  as  they  have  be- 
gun. This  ought  not  to  deter  such  as  are 
conscious  of  past  unfaithfulness  from  earnest 
repentance  and  reform ;  but  it  should  afford 
you  a  powerful  motive  to  begin  aright.  Be- 
ware of  a  low  standard  of  religious  character. 
Cherish  a  godly  fear  of  taking  your  model 
from  the  mass  of  reputed  Christians  around 
you.  The  time  at  which  you  enter  on  your 
cour>ge  is  uufavoui'able  in  this  respect,  that 
there  is  a  prevalence  of  coldness,  negligence, 
and  conformity  to  the  world.  If  you  would 
reap  the  benefit  and  effect  the  labours  of 
your  calling,  you  will  need  to  erect  a  high 
standard,  and  to  ask  God's  help,  that  you  may 


74  THE  YOUNG   COMMUNICANT. 

make  higli  attainments  in  grace  tlie  gi'and  ob- 
ject of  your  life.  Look  well  to  the  beginnings 
of  jour  religious  service. 

XLIX. 

®p  |0St  0f  tire  |0mts  CItristian, 

Consider  profoundly,  I  beseecb  you,  your 
position,  as  one  among  the  large  number  of 
young  disciples.  Older  members  of  Christ's 
Church  are  every  day  leaving  the  field. 
Their  places  are  to  be  taken  by  yourselves. 
The  vast  responsibilities,  enterprises  and  toils 
of  the  coming  day  are  to  fall  upon  you. 
Others  will  soon  look  up  to  you,  as  you  now 
look  to  your  elders.  The  revolutions  oi 
time,  though  noiseless,  are  swift,  and  your 
working  season  is  but  a  span.  The  Christ- 
ianity of  the  next  generation  will  take  its  de- 
gree and  tone  from  the  piety  of  those  who 
are  now  girding  on  the  armour.  Whatso- 
ever, then,  you  think  of  as  desirable  to  be  at- 


YOUTHFUL  PROFESSION.  75 

tained  hereafter,  strive  for  now,  "with  all  the 
concentrated  powers  of  your  soul.  Ask  your- 
self, what  measure  of  grace  will  fit  you  to  be 
an  example  to  others. 

L. 

ikssrtn^ss  0f  |0utIrfitI  '§mfmm. 

If  indeed  you  have  been  effectually  called, 
you  have  infinite  cause  of  thanksgiving,  that 
you  have  heard  the  voice  of  God  in  early 
life.  It  is  an  unspeakable  blessing  to  bo 
translated  from  darkness  to  light,  at  any 
age ;  but  great  and  manifold  are  the  advan- 
tages of  having  begun  in  spring.  How 
striking  are  the  words  of  Obadiah,  "I,  thy 
servant,  fear  the  Lord  from  my  youth."* 
You  have  less  to  unlearn,  than  the  aged,  or 
even  the  mature.  Your  habits  are  less  rigid. 
Your  mind  and  heart  are  more  susceptible 
of  new  impressions.     If  spared  in  life,  you 

*  1  Kings  18  :  12. 


76  THE    rOUNG  COMMONICANT. 

have  a  longer  period  of  growth,  and  more 
time  for  bearing  fruit.  The  embarrassments 
of  the  world  have  come  upon  jou  but  par- 
tially. Your  character  is  yet  unformed  and 
ductile.  Let  these  be  so  many  motives,  to 
constrain  you  to  arduous  exertion  to  walk 
worthy  of  your  vocation.  And  be  assured, 
that  if  you  look  away  from  all  misleading 
examples,  even  of  seemingly  good  men,  and 
fix  your  eye  upon  the  life  and  teachings  of 
the  Lord  Jesus,  you  will  find  your  happiness 
increasinsf  from  hour  to  hour. 

LI. 

All  your  duties  as  a  professing  Christian 
may  be  ranged  under  three  classes ;  those, 
namely,  which  concern  yourself,  those  which 
concern  the  Church,  and  those  which  concern 
the  world  at  large.  Of  these  the  first  are  the 
most  important  and  indispensable ;  and  they 
are  the  source- of  all  the  rest. 


MEANS  OF  SELF-CULTURE.  77 

You  are  at  present  weak  and  inexperi- 
enced ;  and  your  power  of  resistance  to  the 
evil  influences  of  the  world  is  yet  untried. 
Your  spiritual  enemies  are  numerous  and 
mighty.  Many  have  fallen  in  the  very  path 
which  you  are  now  attempting.  How  great 
should  be  your  solicitude  to  run  the  race 
that  is  set  before  you  I  To  do  this,  you 
must  possess  an  inward  living  principle,  the 
Author  of  which  is  the  Holy  Ghost.  The 
all-important  work  therefore  is  within  your 
own  heart ;  the  life  of  God  in  the  soul.  To 
this  your  first  and  constant  attention  must 
be  directed;  and  you  have  already  begun 
wrong,  if  you  put  any  thing  external  in  the 
place  of  this. 

LII. 

Communication  with  God,  who  is   the 

source  of  all  strength,  is  kept  up  by  the 

means  of  grace.    These  are  channels  of  in- 
7# 


78  THE  YOU^^G  COMMUNICANT. 

fluence,  from  heaven  to  the  soul.  Your  pro- 
ficiency will  be  in  proportion  to  the  faithful 
use  of  the  exercises  of  private  piety.  Be- 
come cold  and  negligent  in  these,  and  your 
halting  course  can  be  easily  predicted.  You 
cannot  live  the  life  of  God,  without  commu- 
nion with  God  in  these  acts.  As  faith  is  the 
spring  of  other  graces,  so  truth,  of  which 
faith  is  the  recipient,  must  be  constantly 
poured  in,  as  the  nourishment  of  the  soul. 
The  depository  of  all  saving  truth  is  the 
Holy  Scriptures.  Go  to  this  blessed  volume 
daily,  devoutly,  and  with  delight.  Be  jeal- 
ous of  every  book  which  lessens  your  taste 
for  the  Bible.  Begin  from  this  hour,  to 
have  a  stated  time  for  the  devotional  read- 
ing of  the  Word,  and  another  stated  hour 
for  the  diligent  study  of  its  contents,  in  regu- 
lar course.  Write  it  upon  your  heart,  as  a 
Bacred  resolution,  that  all  your  life  long  you 
will  mamtain  a  loving  familiarity  with  the 
oracles  of  God.    And  let  your  cry  be,  ".  Open 


DOCTEINAL  INSTRUCTION.  79 

thou  my  eyes  that  I  may  behold  wondrous 
things  out  of  thy  law  I"* 


LIII. 

girttriiml  Instatttott, 

Acquire  the  early  habit  of  makin'g  your- 
self thoroughly  familiar  with  all  the  truths 
of  the  Christian  system,  in  their  due  con- 
nection. Be  not  of  the  number  of  those, 
who  complain  of  doctrinal  preaching,  and 
neglect  doctrinal  books.  Sound  doctrine  is 
the  food  of  faith.  An  experience  without 
doctrine  is  like  a  house  without  walls,  a 
body  without  bones,  and  a  tree  without  root. 
So  order  your  reading,  as  never  to  be  long 
without  the  perusal  of  some  book  on  these 
subjects.  Upon  your  accurate  knowledge 
and  hearty  belief  of  evangelical  doctrine,  will 
depend  the  solidity,  symmetry,  comfort,  and 
fruitfulness  of  your  Christian  characiter. 

*  Psalm  119  :  18 


80  THE  YOUNG   COMMUNICANT. 

LIV. 

The  duty  of  stated  Meditation  is  much 
neglected.  Yet  no  one  ever  made  high,  at* 
tainments  in  experience,  without  it.  This 
exercise  is  necessary  in  order  to  the  reception 
of  due  benefit  from  the  Word.  Seize  favoura- 
ble moments  for  solemn,  devout,  continued 
thinking  upon  divine  truth;  such,  as  the 
early  morning,  the  twilight,  the  wakeful  hours 
of  night,  and  the  Sabbath  day.  Pause  and 
ask  yourself,  whether  you  have  ever  consid- 
ered this  a  duty,  and  whether  you  have  ever 
practised  it.  Learn  this  art;  sweeten  your 
thoughts  on  retiring  for  the  night  with  some 
good  word  of  inspiration,  and  you  will  soon 
exclaim  with  gratitude,  ''In  the  multitude 
of  my  thoughts  within  me,  thy  comforts  de- 
light my  soul."*    Especially  should  the  glo- 

*  Psalm  94  :  19. 


TRAYER.  81 

rious  person  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  be  the  object 
of  your  fixed  contemplation,  after  having  sat 
at  his  table. 

LV. 

But  of  all  means  of  grace,  there  is  none 
which  is  more  valuable  than  Prayer  ;  com- 
prehending the  several  parts  of  adoration, 
thanksgiving,  confession,  supplication,  and 
intercession.  Upon  your  knees  and  looking 
up  into  the  compassionate  face  of  your  Hea- 
venly Father,  you  are  in  the  posture  of  all 
others  most  suited  to  the  exercise  of  faith, 
hope,  love,  and  every  Christian  grace.  If 
you  decline,  the  declension  will  commence 
just  here.  The  maxim  is  true:  "Apostasy 
begins  at  the  closet."  Let  no  slight  reason 
satisfy  you  for  having  omitted  your  devo- 
tions; even  as  you  are  not  content  with 
excuses  for  having  omitted  your  necessary 
repasts.     The  evils  to  be  avoided  are  forget 


82  THE  YOUI^G  COMMUNICANT. 

fulness,  infrequencj,  irregularity,  formality 
wandering  of  mind,  undue  brevity,  irreve- 
rence, coldness,  and  unbelief.  Question 
yourself  as  to  each  of  these  points  in  particu- 
lar. Beware  of  confining  yourself  to  mental 
prayer,  but  in  your  regular  devotions  em- 
ploy audible  utterance;  for  great  is  the 
reflex  influence  of  the  voice  upon  the  feel- 
ings. Have  stated  times,  at  least  every 
morning  and  evening;  and  if  possible  a 
stated  place.  In  pursuance  of  the  admoni- 
tion, "  Pray  without  ceasing,"*  let  your 
thoughts  during  the  employments  of  the  day 
often  go  up  in  ejaculatory  prayer;  which  is 
so  called,  because  such  aspirations  are  liko 
arrows  shot  up  towards  heaven ;  and  "  blessed 
is  he  t]]at  hath  his  quiver  full  of  them.'* 

*  1  Thes3.  6    17. 


DAILY  WALK  83 

LVI. 

*'  Seek  first  the  kingdom  of  God  and  his 
righteousness;"*  in  other  words,  make  re- 
ligion the  leading  and  paramount  concern  of 
life.  Is  it  so  ?  "Be  thou  in  the  fear  of  God, 
all  the  day  long."f  To  secure  this,  be  sure 
to  begin  the  day  aright.  Let  your  waking 
thoughts  be  heavenly ;  this  will  give  savour 
to  all  the  thinking  of  the  day.  Let  your  first 
employment  be  in  devotion.  Let  your  first 
reading  be  of  God's  holy  Word;  to  which 
the  daily  news  and  the  interesting  story  are 
often  seductive  rivals.  Eecall  your  straying 
thoughts  to  God  a  thousand  times  a  day 
during  the  walks  of  lawful  duly.  And  make 
conscience  of  redeeming  time  at  night  for 
self-examination  and  prayer.  Thus  you  may 
learn  to  walk  with  God;  and  let  me  assure 
you  the  lesson  must  be  learnt  in  your  early 
Christian  life. 

»  Matt  6  :  33.  \  Prov.  23  :  17. 


84  THE   YOUNG   COMMUNICAJS  T. 

LVIL 

t\t  f  aril's  gag. 

If  your  life  is  a  busy  one,  you  "will  find  a 
Bweet  refreslimcnt  in  tlie  Sabbath.  Except 
those  hours  which  are  bestowed  on  others,  or 
on  public  worship,  let  it  be  3'our  endeavour 
to  spend  the  whole  of  sacred  time  in  acts  of 
religious  improvement.  These  may  be  suffi- 
ciently varied  to  prevent  weariness  or  satiety. 
The  narrative  and  the  journal  may  absorb 
too  many  of  these  precious  hours.  You  may 
measure  your  spirituality  by  the  manner  in 
which  you  habitually  spend  the  Lord's  Day. 
All  eminent  Christians  have  been  remark- 
able for  a  conscientious  use  of  this  holy  and 
blessed  rest. 


OUTWARD  CONDUCT.  85 

LVIIl. 

It  "Would  exceed  our  short  limits,  to  lay 
down  rules  for  external  conduct.  The  di- 
vine rule  is,  "As  He  which  hath  called  you 
is  holy,  so  be  ye  holy  in  all  manner  of  con- 
versation."* Beginning  with  the  nearest  re- 
lations of  life,  your  obedience  is  to  be  shown 
in  each  of  the  enlarging  circles.  Above  all, 
you  should  be  the  true  Christian  at  home. 
Let  it  not  be  said  of  you,  that  you  manifest 
least  of  the  temper  of  the  Gospel  to  those  who 
are  nearest  and  dearest,  such  as  parents, 
brothers,  sisters,  and  companions.  Pray  that 
you  may  conduct  the  humblest  part  of  daily 
business  on  Christian  principles.  "  Whatso- 
ever therefore  ye  do  in  word  or  deed,  do  all 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  giving  thanks 
to  God  and  the  Father,  through  him."t 

♦  1  Peter  5:  15.  \  Col.  3:  lY. 


86  THE  YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

LIX. 

The  young  communicant  may  be  at  tlie 
same  time  the  head  of  a  family.  Should  this 
be  your  situation,  you  have  a  new  circle  of 
most  tender  and  interesting  duties.  Souls, 
dearer  to  you  than  life,  and  dependents  little 
less  near,  are  looking  up  to  you  for  Christian 
guidance  and  nurture.  Your  vows  to  God 
require  that  you  should  command  your 
Qousehold,  training  them  in  the  way  of  truth. 
You  will  not  fail  then  to  dedicate  your  be- 
loved offrpring  to  the  Lord,  from  their  very 
birth,  and  especially  at  their  baptism.  You 
will  call  jour  family  together  for  the  wor- 
ship of  God  every  morning  and  evening.  It 
is  painful  t3  reflect,  how  many  church  mem- 
bers fail  as  io  this  plain  and  delightful  duty. 
Surely  they  can  not  have  reflected  on  the  in- 
spired thrca*ening :  "  Pour  out  thy  fary  upon 
the  heathen  that  know  thee  not,  and  upon 


FASHION   AND   AMUSEMENT.  87 

the  families  that  call  not  on  thy  name/'* 
Family  religion,  including  family-worship, 
family-instruction,  and  family-government, 
is  the  necessary  result  of  individual  piety. 
Nor  can  you  look  for  God's  blessing,  if  these 
be  neglected. 

LX. 

The  growing  laxity  of  the  age  gives  pecu- 
liar meaning  to  the  exhortation,  "  Be  not 
conformed  to  this  world."f  The  rule  of  most 
is  corrupt  and  dangerous ;  it  is  to  do  as 
others  do.  The  consequence .  is  mutual  in- 
jury and  perpetual  declension  in  the  Church. 
You  will  find  professors,  who,  as  they  in- 
crease in  wealth,  constantly  enlarge  their 
license.  It  requires  a  keen  eye  to  discrimi- 
nate between  their  pleasures  and  expendi- 
tures, and  those  of  the  ungodly.  If  they 
abstain  from  the  theatre,  they  go  freely  to 

*  Jer.  10  •  25  f  Rom,  12  :  2. 


88  THE   YOUNG   COMMUNICANT. 

the  opera ;  or  if  they  scruple  this,  they  linger 
at  the  midnight  ball.  The  step  is  so  easily 
taken  from  apparently  innocent  dancing  to 
that  which  is  free,  indiscreet,  amorous,  and 
licentious,  that  a  tender  conscience  will  find 
it  safest  to  reject  all.*  Apply,  if  you  can,  to 
such  assemblages,  however  elegant  and  how- 
ever common,  the  divine  maxim,  ''  Love  not 
the  world,  neither  the  things  that  are  in  the 
world ;  if  any  man  love  the  world,  the  love 
of  the  Father  is  not  in  him."f  That  young 
communicant  is  near  to  his  fall,  who  is  often 
asking  how  near  he  may  go  to  the  brink  of 
^n,  and  yet  be  safe.  Observe  the  families 
which  have  made  this  passage  from  ancient 
strictness  to  fashionable  Christianity,  and 
you  will  find  their  children  one  by  one 
sliding  away  to  looser  forms  of  religion,  if 
not  to  utter  carelessness.  The  same  prin- 
ciples apply  to  expenditure  in  dress,  furni- 
ture, equipage,  and  luxurious  living.  "Let 
your  moderation  be  known  unto  all  men.":j: 

*  Matt.  6  •  29,  30.     f  1  John  2  :  15.     J  PMUpp.  4 ;  5. 


DILIGENCE  89 

LXL 

As  a  liege  servant  of  tlie  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
yielded  to  him  as  no  longer  your  own,  you 
are  zealously  to  do  his  work,  every  day  of 
your  life,  and  every  hour  of  the  day ; — "  not 
slothful  in  business,  fervent  in  spirit,  serving 
the  Lord."*  It  would  be  impossible  to  ex- 
press too  strongly  the  duty  of  livmg  altoge- 
ther for  Christ ;  this  is  the  entire  business  of 
life.  There  is  no  single  lawful  act,  however 
menial  or  even  despised,  which  may  not  be 
offered  up  to  him.  Thus  business  and  even 
labour  become  religious,  and  you  spend 
every  moment  in  the  spirit  of  sacrifice.  If 
you  go  down  from  the  Lord's  Table  with  this 
temper,  you  are  happy  indeed. 

»  Rom  12  :  IL 


8» 


90  THE  YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

Lxn. 

I  u  m  n  i  t  J . 

The  saying  is  true,  that  nothing  is  moro 
beautiful  in  a  young  Christian  than  Hu- 
mility. Pride  was  not  made  for  man; 
and  pride  is  especially  hateful  in  one  who 
has  just  come  out  of  a  state  of  condemnation. 
You  may  in  some  degree  judge  of  your  con- 
dition, by  the  low  views  which  you  entertain 
of  yourself.  It  is  a  bad  sign  when  a  novice 
is  puffed  up,  when  he  vaunts  his  own  expe- 
rience, thinks  himself  wiser  than  his  elders, 
and  is  censorious  towards  brethren  "Let 
each  esteem  others  better  than  themselves."* 
Lowliness  of  mind  is  at  once  an  ornament  and 
a  protection;  and  bence  the  Apostle  says, 
"  Be  ye  clothed  with  humility."f 

*  PbUipp.  2:3.  f  1  Peter  6  ;  C 


DUTIES  TO  THE   CHURCH.  91 

LXIII. 

§\\tm  to  t|e  €\)m\. 

Besides  those  duties  whicli,  as  has  been 
said,  primarily  concern  yourself,  there  are 
others  which  concern  the  Church  of  Christ, 
and  in  the  first  instance  that  particular 
branch  of  it  to  which  you  have  been  united. 
Agreeably  to  the  explanation  already  given, 
you  have  not  only  made  a  profession  of 
your  individual  faith,  but  have  declared 
yourself  a  participant  of  that  communion, 
in  token  of  which  you  joined  in  partaking 
of  the  same  loaf  and  the  same  cup.  You 
are  of  this  family.  These  are  now  your 
brethren  and  sisters  in  the  Lord.  No  tie  on 
earth  is  closer ;  and  your  conduct  should  be 
such  as  to  show  that  it  is  not  a  mere  name. 
You  henceforth  owe  them  duties,  which  are 
all  fruits  of  holy  love.  For  you  are  bound 
not  only  to  Christ,  but  to  his  people.  Never 
cease  to  remember,  that  you  are  no  longer 


92  THE  YOUNG   COMM  tJNICAJf T. 

your  own,  and  tliat  in  some  sort  jour  indi- 
vidual interests  are  merged  in  those  of  the 
Christian  body.  Ycu  have  entered  on  a 
walk  which  is  not  solitary,  but  social ;  there- 
fore, "  Love  the  brotherhood."* 

LXIV. 

While  you  have  a  sincere  good  will  to 
wards  all  the  people  of  God,  your  more  active 
affections  must  necessarily  go  forth  to  those 
who  are  next  to  you,  those  with  whom  you 
worship  and  join  in  sacramental  communion; 
in  other  words,  to  your  own  church.  These 
you  are  to  "love  as  brethren."f  Is  this  the 
case  in  all  our  churches  ?  Is  not  the  bond 
between  member  and  member,  no  more  in 
many  cases,  than  that  they  sit  in  the  samo 
house  and  listen  to  the  same  preacher  ? 

*  1  Pet.  2:17,  f  I  Pet  3  :  8. 


CHRISTIAN    ACQUAINT' ANCE.  93 

LXV 

In  order  to  this  Christian  fellowship  and 
duty,  what  we  greatly  need  is  a  more  earnest 
attempt  at  mutual  acquaintance.     How  can 
we  help,  or  even  love  those  whom  we  do  not 
know  ?     Yet  how  many  sit  at  the  same  sac- 
ramental table,  who  elsewhere  show  no  sign 
of  recognition  ?     Plainly,  the  elder  members 
of  a  church  should  give  the  hand  of  invita- 
tion and  welcome  to  the  younger.     The  rich 
should  abhor  the  thought  of  being  ashamed 
of  the  poor.     We  may  expect  the  curse  of 
God  upon  our  churches  if  this  spirit  prevail. 
And  if  advances  are  made,  it  must  obviously 
be  from  the  side  of  the  more  prosperous. 
Some  of  Christ's  most  favoured  people,  and 
some  who  might  do  you  the  most  good,  are 
among  the  poor  of  this  world,  who  are  '*  rich 
in  faith."     Study  with    dihgence    that  pas- 
sage of  the  Apostle  James,  in  which  he  says, 


94  THE  yoi;ng^  communicant. 

"  My  brethren,  liave  not  the  faith  of  oui  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  the  Lord  of  glory,  with  respect 
of  persons."* 

LXVL 

Intimate  ixitwh. 

As  Christianity  does  not  forbid  particu- 
lar attachments,  you  will  find  great  advan- 
tage in  having  a  special  circle  of  religious 
friends.  Some  or  most  of  these  will  natu- 
rally be  of  your  own  age.  But  they  should 
be  selected  upon  a  principle  of  mutual  bene- 
fit.  Absolute  insulation  is  unfavourable  to 
piety.  Let  the  abundance  of  the  heart  some- 
times flow  forth  to  these  persons,  in  discourse 
upon  the  great  truths  of  the  Gospel;  and 
where  circumstances  favour  it,  join  with  them 
in  acts  of  devotion.  "  Iron  sharpeneth  iron; 
so  a  man  sharpeneth  the  countenance  of  his 
friend."f 

*  James  2  :  1-9.  f  Prov.  27  •  17. 


AID  TO  THE  QOSPKL.  95 

LXVII. 

The  love  of  brethren  is  not  an  empty  affec- 
tion. It  is  fruitfnl  of  activity.  If  the  spirit 
of  Christ  dwells  in  you,  it  will  be  your  de- 
light to  help  and  relieve  afflicted  brethren. 
You  will  early  begin  to  seek  out  sufferers, 
and  will  find  your  way  to  the  doors  of  the 
poor,  the  diseased,  the  widow,  and  the  or- 
phan. Above  all,  you  will  watch  for  occa- 
Bions  for  conveying  some  spiritual  incitement 
or  comfort  to  those  who  need  it. 

LXVIII. 

Jift  to  tlr^  ^0Sf^l 

One  of  the  most  obvious  duties  which  you 
owe  to  the  Church,  is  the  sustaining  of  gos- 
pel worship  and  ministry,  by  all  means  with- 
in your  reach.     K  all  the  members  of  a  com- 


96  THE   YOUNG  COMMUNICAXT. 

muiiion  are  true  of  heart  in  regard  to  this 
point,  the  work  will  probably  go  forward 
Buccessfally,  however  small  the  number.  By 
enrolling  yourself  in  the  band,  you  have 
pledged  yourself  to  take  your  share  of  the 
burdens.  More  may  be  justly  expected  of 
you  than  of  the  world.  The  support  of  the 
pastor,  especially  if  the  flock  is  small,  should 
weigh  on  your  heart.  And  every  under 
taking  for  building  up  the  spiritual  house, 
should  have  your  help  and  your  prayers. 
Enter  the  ranks  with  the  resolution  to  be  a 
working  member. 

LXIX. 

Set  it  before  you,  as  a  duty  for  life,  to 
give  regular  and  decorous  attendance  on  the 
worship  of  the  sanctuary,  every  Lord's  Day. 
Let  not  your  place  be  vacant.  Consider 
punctuality  in  attendance  as  one  of  your 
duties  to  Christ.     It  is  not  superfluous  to 


ATTENDANCE   ON    WORSHIP.  97 

say,  let  your  demeanour  be  reverent.  Be  not 
one  of  those  young  comm  anicants — such 
alas!  there  are — who,  instead  of  a  holy  si- 
lence, spend  the  moments  before  the  actual 
commencement  of  the  service,  in  conversa- 
tion. Even  though  the  words  were  of  spirit- 
ual things,  this  is  not  the  place  or  occasion 
for  them.  What  preparative  is  so  seemly, 
as  the  solemn  stillness  and  hushed  expecta- 
tion of  a  whole  assembly !  It  must  be  for  a 
ramentation  that  this  is  wanting,  in  some  of 
)ur  charches.  Aid  your  pastor,  by  kind 
words  and  by  prayer,  rather  than  by  flattery, 
)r  by  attempts  to  disparage  others  in  his  be- 
tialf.  The  best  friends  of  a  pastor  are  not 
those  who  visit  him  with  adulation,  and 
fondly  suppose  that  tlie  precious  Gospel  can 
'do  them  good  from  no  lips  but  his.  There- 
fore be  not  unwilling  sometimes  to  see  an- 
other in  his  place.  Consent  that  the  gifts 
which  are  constantly  yours,  should  now  and 
then  be  enjoyed  by  others.  Do  not  pay  him 
the  equivocal  compliment  of  choosing  the 

9 


98  THE   YOUNG   COMMUNICANT. 

occasions  of  his  absence  to  leave  your  oivri 
cliurch.  Hearken  to  the  lessons  which  he 
teaches,  and  do  your  part  to  carry  out  in 
practice  all  his  scriptural  plans.  Cultivate 
his  acquaintance,  and  while  you  hold  his 
time  to  be  precious,  do  not  doubt  his  willing- 
ness at  all  seasons  to  converse  with  you  on 
the  concerns  of  the  soul.  In  the  worship  of 
God's  house,  remember  that  j^ou  are  more 
than  a  listener  or  a  witness.  Bear  your  part, 
mentally  in  prayer,  and  vocally  in  praise. 


LXX. 

MtMi  Puttings. 

In  fully  organized  congregations,  there  is 
usually  a  religious  service  during  the  week. 
The  preparation  for  this  costs  your  pastor  a 
certain  amount  of  solicitude  and  labour.  Let 
not  this  be  despised.  No  aid,  which  can  be 
universally  rendered,  is  more  cheering  to  his 
heart  than  constant  attendance  at  this  meei^ 


LOVE    OF    SOULS.  99 

ing.  However  it  may  be  neglected  and  un- 
dervalued bj  tbe  majority  of  people,  establish 
it  as  a  rule,  that  you  will  bold  up  bis  bands 
by  your  presence.  You  will  there  be  sure 
to  meet  the  more  spiritual  members  of  the 
church ;  you  will  extend  the  limits  of  Christ- 
ian acquaintance,  and  will  receive  knowledge 
and  edification.  It  is  hardly  needful  to  add, 
that  every  conscientious  church-member  will 
so  order  the  arrangements  of  his  family,  hia 
visits,  and  his  social  recreations,  as  not  to 
conflict  with  the  regular  meetings  of  th» 
church.  The  remarks  just  made  are  appl? 
cable,  with  slight  qualification,  to  the  weekly 
prayer-meeting. 

LXXI. 

The  whole  face  of  things  would  be  altered 
in  the  Church,  if  each  of  its  members  could 
be  possessed  with  a  sense  of  his  obligation  to 
make  individual  efforts  for  the  conversion  of 


100  THE  YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

Bonis.  This  is  left  to  ministers  and  churcli- 
officers.  Yet  every  man  lias  some  circle  of 
influence,  and  some  laymen  liave  been  instru 
ments  in  bringing  biindrecls  to  the  knowledge 
of  the  truth.  "  Brethren,  if  any  of  you  do 
err  from  the  truth,  and  one  convert  him ;  let 
him  know,  that  he  which  converteth  the 
sinner  from  the  error  of  his  way  shall  save 
a  soul  from  death,  and  shall  hide  a  multitude 
of  sins."* 

LXXII. 

Sunday-schools  have  at  least  doubled  the 
working  power  of  every  church  in  which  they 
are  well  established.  The  energetic  members 
of  any  Christian  society  are  commonly  Sun- 
day-school teachers,  or  have  been  such.  Em- 
ployment in  this  work  is  usually  the  first 
labour  which  a  young  disciple  ventures  to 
undertake.     The  whole  business  of  the  Sun* 

*  James  5  •  20. 


CHARITIES.  101 

day-scliool  tends  to  promote  tlie  spirit  of 
benevolence  and  the  habit  of  beneficence. 
Every  order  of  talent  may  here  find  a  place. 
You  will  therefore  be  consulting  your  own 
usefulness  and  happiness,  if  you  take  the 
earliest  opportunity  to  enroll  yourself  among 
those  who  are  devoted  to  the  instruction  of 
the  poor  and  ignorant. 


LXXIII. 

C  I]  a  r  i  t  i  H  ♦ 

Every  congregation  has  certain    associa 
tious  within  itself,  for  benevolent  purposes ; 
and  these  are  sometimes  composed  of  Christ 
ian  women.     But  the  number  of  truly  effi 
cient    members    is    commonly    very    small. 
Various  reasons,  often  unworthy  and  frivo- 
lous, if  not  connected  with  the  "pride  of 
life,"  keep  many  who  might  render  efiicient 
aid,  from  uniting  in  these  labours  of  love. 
The  object  may  be  the  contribution  of  means 
9* 


102  THE   YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

for  charity,  or  tlie  making  of  garments  foi 
the  suffering,  or  the  neglected  work  of  visit- 
ing the  sick  poor,  the  "  fatherless  and  widow 
in  their  affliction."*  Whatever  be  the  end 
sought,  let  no  haughty  reserve  or  carping 
objection  keep  you  from  having  a  share. 
You  cannot  beo^in  too  soon  to  exercise 
yourself  in  actual  and  personal  well-doing, 
which  is  much  more  rare  than  the  giving 
of  alms  through  others. 

LXXIV. 

Feeling  yourself  in  fellowship  with  the 
body  of  believers,  you  will  naturally  own 
your  obligation  to  do  all  that  in  you  lies  to 
promote  the  holiness  of  every  brother  Christ- 
ian. To  indicate  the  methods  of  this  would 
be  to  write  a  volume.  The  great  point  is,  to 
have  the  desire  and  intention.     Is  such  tho 

*  James  1  :  27. 


SCANDALS.  103 

tendency  of  your  mind,  and  does  it  evince 
itself  in  your  daily  prayers  and  endea- 
vours ? 

LXXV. 

"It  is  impossible  but  that  offences  will 
come,  but  woe  unto  him  through  whom  they 
come."*  The  inference  is  fair,  that  a  largo 
measure  of  guilt  belongs  also  to  him  who 
extends  the  circle  of  offences.  To  the  exist- 
ence of  an  offence,  scandal  or  stumblino-- 
block,  in  the  scriptural  sense,  some  degree 
<)f  publicity  is  essential.  This  evil  is  pro- 
duced by  the  practice  of  talking  about  the 
Bins  of  brethren.  Almost  every  church  hag 
some  mischievous  tongue  of  this  sort.  Pro- 
found silence  would  olten  prevent  the  spread 
of  dishonourable  reports.  The  rule  is  as  old 
as  Moses :  "•  Thou  shalt  not  go  up  and  down 
as  a  talebearer  among  thy  people. ''j-    Abhor 

^  Luke  17  :  1.  f  Lev  19 :  16. 


104-  THE   YOUNG   COMMUNICANT. 

the  slightest  approach  to  this  hateful  char 
racter.  Be  tender  of  the  reputation  of  a 
brother;  and  where  you  can  not  deny  an 
evil  report^  at  least  show  how  truly  you  dis- 
relish it.  ''  The  north  wind  driveth  av,^ay 
rain :  so  doth  an  angry  countenance  a  back- 
biting tongue."* 

LXXVI. 

To  promote  harmony  and  love  in  the 
church,  is  a  Christlike  employment.  Differ 
ences  continually  arise  among  brethren  ;  and 
they  are  abominable  in  the  sight  of  God 
Kot  only  should  you  avoid  them  yourself 
but  you  should  spare  no  pains  to  prevent 
and  heal  them  in  others.  There  is  scarcely 
a  feud  or  a  coldness,  which  mieht  not  be  re- 
moved  in  its  commencement.  But  the  trick- 
ling rill  soon  swells  to  a  torrent.  "The 
beginning  of  strife  is  as  when  one  letteth  out 

♦  Prov.  25  :  23 


REPROOF.  105 

water."*  Timely  intervention,  between  the 
contending  parties,  with  honest  and  affection- 
ate entreaty,  will  in  most  cases  be  successful. 
"  Blessed  are  the  peacemakers,  for  tbey  shall 
be  called  the  children  of  God."f 


LXXVII. 

The  church-covenant  implies  not  onlj» 
rautual  love,  but  mutual  watchfulness.  Ho\»' 
much  better  is  it  to  tell  a  brother's  fault  to 
himself,  than  to  tell  it  to  others  ?  Sin  in  ouj* 
brethren  should  give  us  great  pain,  and  w^ 
should  use  unceasing  efforts  to  correct  it.  Bu* 
no  duty  requires  more  circumspection  and 
heavenly  wisdom.  Conducted  aright,  chari- 
table reproof  seldom  fails  sooner  or  later  to 
be  useful.  "He  that  rebuketh  a  man  after- 
wards shall  find  more  favour  tharn  he  that  flat- 

*  Prov  ]  T  :  14.  f  Matt.  5  .•  9- 


106  THE  YOUNG  COMMUNICANT. 

teretli  with  tlie  tongue.  **  Indifference  to 
the  spiritual  progress  of  our  companions  is  a 
sin  which  is  forbidden  bj  the  spirit  of  that 
Levitical  law,  as  being  opposite  to  holy  love. 
"Thou  shalt  not  hate  thy  brother  in  thine 
heart ;  thou  shalt  in  any  wise  rebuke  thy 
neighbour,  and  not  suffer  sin  upon  him."f 

LXXVIII. 

Christianity  alone  teaches  the  true  brotb« 
erhood  of  mankind.  "  Thou  shalt  love  thy 
neighbour  as  thyself,"  is  the  second  table  of 
the  Law.  And  if  you  ask,  who  is  my  neigh- 
bour? the  reply  of  our  Lord  in  a  beautiful 
parable  is,  that  your  neighbour  is  he  whom 
Providence  throws  within  the  reach  of  your 
help.  Henceforth  it  should  be  your  purpose 
to  do  all  that  is  within  your  power  for  the 
temporal  and  spiritual  good  of  all  youi 
fellow  men. 

♦  Prov.  28  :  23.  f  Lev.  19  :  17. 


SEEKING  OPPORTUNITIES.  107 

LXXIX.  ' 

How  hard  it  is  to  strike  the  happy  me- 
dium between  selfish  inaction  and  over-busy 
zeal  I  "  Wisdom  is  profitable  to  direct."* 
Forwardness,  and  officious  bustle  are  espe- 
cially displeasing  in  a  young  professor.  You 
will  be  most  likely  to  pursue  the  right  path, 
if  your  daily  efforts  to  do  good  are  tempered 
with  shrinking  humility.  When  you  are  in 
doubt  as  to  modes  of  usefulness,  you  should 
add  to  your  prayers  a  resort  to  the  counsel 
of  aged  and  experienced  advisers. 

LXXX. 

Where  there  is  a  will,  there  will  be  a  way. 
Earnest  desire  to  do  good  will  certainly  sug- 

*  Eccl.  10  :  10. 


108  THE  YOUNG  COMMUMOANT. 

gest  metliods.  Some  have  a  peculiar  faculty 
for  devising  happy  schemes,  which  may  after- 
wards be  realized  by  themselves-  or  othera 
It  is  well  for  the  mind  to  be  teeming  with 
plans  of  usefulness.  He  is  but  a  slothful  ser- 
vant, who  always  lies  still  till  the  summons 
of  some  urgent  duty  is  brought  to  his  door. 
Accustom  yourself  to  go  out  in  search  of  oc- 
casions for  honouring  Christ  in  the  person 
of  his  suffering  people.  "To  do  good  and  to 
communicate,  forget  not,  for  with  such  sacri* 
iices  God  is  well  pleased."*  Place  often 
before  your  mind,  the  tribunal  of  the  Lasi 
Day,  and  shudder  lest  the  Son  of  Man  should 
say  to  you,  "Inasmuch  as  ye  did  it  not  to 
the  least  of  these,  ye  did  it  not  to  me."f 

»IIcb  13:1C.  f  Matt  25  :  45. 


THE  SPREAD   OF  THE   TRUTH.  109 

LXXXI. 

%\lt  ^i^xmii  Qf  tilt  %xut\i 

Happy  would  it  be,  if  every  member  of 
every  communion,  should  from  the  first  feel 
himself  charged  with  a  part  of  the  great  duty 
of  extending  the  means  of  salvation  in  all  the 
region  around  him,  by  the  founding  or  sus- 
taining of  new  churches.  Your  eye  should 
be  kept  on  this.  You  may  render  help  by 
counsels  and  plans,  by  contribution,  and,  in 
some  circumstances,  by  personally  casting  u> 
your  lot  with  struggling  brethren.  Larg© 
ch arches  should  aid  those  which  are  small 
Some  congregations  ar6  far  too  large.  CoJ 
onies  from  these  at  well-chosen  junctures, 
may  be,  to  small  undertakings,  as  life  from 
the  dead.  Think  seriously  on  the  delightful 
retrospect,  of  a  church  established  by  your- 
selves and  others  having  thrown  your  servi 
ces  into  the  work  at  the  critical  moment. 


110  THE  YOUNG  COMMUKICAKT. 

LXXXIL 

Hold  yourself  ready  to  contribute  to  every 
good  enterprise,  according  to  your  ability. 
However  small  your  dole  may  be,  remember 
the  widow's  two  mites,  and  that  it  is  accept- 
ed according  to  that  a  man  hath  and  not  ac- 
cording to  that  he  hath  not.*  Give  alms  of 
3uch  things  as  you  have,  and  you  will  find 
your  means  increase.  For  "  God  is  able  to 
make  all  grace  abound  towards  you ;  that  ye. 
always  having  all  sufficiency  in  all  things 
may  abound  to  every  good  work."f 

LXXXIII. 

The  poor  give  more  in  proportion  than  the 
rich.     As  men  grow  in  wealth,  few  of  them 
keep  up  the  rate  of  their  contribution  to  the 
*  Cot.  8    12.  f  2  Cor.  9  :  8. 


PERSONAL   BENEFICENCE.  lil 

Lord's  treasury;  whereas  thej  ought  to  in- 
crease it.  He  who  gives  ten  dollars  out  of  an 
income  of  a  hundred,  seldom  gives  ten  thou- 
sand when  his  income  rises  to  a  hundred 
thousand.  This  evil  will  be  avoided,  if  you 
adopt  the  rule  of  devoting  a  stated  portion  of 
your  receipts.  Such  was  the  method  recom- 
mended in  a  certain  case  by  the  apostle  Paul : 
"  Upon  the  first  day  of  the  week  let  every 
one  of  you  lay  by  him  in  store,  as  God  hath 
prospered  him,  that  there  be  no  gatherings 
when  I  come."* 

LXXXIV. 

All  men  find  it  easier  to  give  money,  than 
to  give  their  actual  services.  Yet  these  are 
the  most  important  and  the  most  delightful 
acts  of  mercy.  Begin  at  once  to  seek  out 
cases  of  suffering.  The  most  deserving  are 
those  which  will  never  come  to  you.    Accus- 

•  1  Cor.  16  :  fc 


112  THE   YOUNii  COMMUNICANT. 

torn  yourself  to  minister  to  tlie  sick  poor. 
Shrink  not  from  any  mortification  incident 
to  the  work  of  interesting  other  benevolent 
persons  in  objects  of  charity.  But  by  no 
means  forego  the  sacred  and  self-regarding 
duty  of  going  yourself  to  the  house  of  v/ant 
or  of  mourning.  "Pure  religion  (the  word 
means  religious  service)  and  undefiled  before 
God  and  the  Father  is  this,  to  visit  the  father- 
less and  widows  in  their  affliction,  and  to 
keep  himself  unspotted  from  the  world."* 

LXXXV. 

C  0  n  t  Itt  5  i  jait  • 

If  the  world  is  to  be  converted,  and  the 
Church  made  glorious,  within  any  short  pe- 
riod, there  must  be  a  great  elevation  of  piety 
in  those  who  are  now  young  Christians. 
Much  depends  on  having  a  high  standard  of 
personal  holiness.     Be  persuaded  that  there 

*  James  1 :  2*7. 


CONCLUSION.  118 

are  heights  of  grace,  attainable  even  on  earth, 
which  have  not  been  reached  by  jou,  or  by 
the  majority  of  beHevers.  Direct  your  pray- 
ers^and  efforts  to  the  acquisition  of  every 
Christian  virtue,  agreeably  to  the  admonition 
of  Paul :  "  Finally,  brethren,  whatsoever 
things  are  true,  whatsoever  things  are  honest, 
whatsoever  things  are  just,  whatsoever  things 
are  pure,  whatsoever  things  are  lovely,  what- 
soever things  are  of  good  report ;  if  there  be 
any  virtue,  and  if  there  be  any  praise,  think 
on  these  things."* 

"  O  Jesus,  my  Saviour !  thy  blessed  hu- 
manity, impress  it  on  my  heart!  Make  me 
most  sensible  of  thy  infinite  dignity,  and  o^ 
my  own  vileness,  that  I  may  hate  myself  as  9 
thing  of  nought,  and  be  willing  to  be  despis- 
ed and  trodden  upon  by  all  as  the  vilest  mire 
of  the  streets;  that  I  may  still  retain  these 

words, — T  AM  NOTHING,  I  CAN  DO   NOTHING, 
AJPTD  I  DESIRE  NOTHING  LC7T  ONE."t 

*  Philipp.  4:8.  f  Leightoa 

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